tartlike

Tartlike is an adjective used to describe qualities that resemble those associated with a tart. In culinary contexts, it most often denotes a sharp, sour, or tangy flavor or aroma, typically with noticeable acidity. The term can apply to ingredients, dishes, beverages, or scents that evoke citrus, underripe fruit, or vinegar rather than sweetness.

In tasting and gastronomy, tartlike flavors are usually described as bright, crisp, and refreshing, sometimes producing a puckering sensation. Examples include green apples, lemons, limes, sour cherries, or white wines with pronounced acidity. In confectionery and beverages, a tartlike character is often sought to balance sweetness with acidity.

Beyond food, tartlike can describe tone or style. A tartlike remark or wit is sharp, biting, or caustic, depending on context, conveying a brisk, sometimes abrasive, impression rather than warmth.

Etymology and usage notes. The form is derived from the base adjective tart, historically associated with sharp or sour flavors, with the suffix -like indicating resemblance. The sense related to the pastry tart shares the root but focuses on taste or impression rather than the dish itself.

See also: tart, tangy, sour, acidity.