sea·son·ing
(sḗzə-nĭng)
noun
- Something, such as a spice or herb, used to flavor food. Also called seasoner
- The act or process by which something is seasoned.
sea·son
(sḗzən)
[Middle English, from Old French seison, from Latin satiō, satiōn-, act of sowing, from satus past participle of serere, to plant.]
noun
- One of the four natural divisions of the year, spring, summer, fall, and winter, in the North and South Temperate zones. Each season, beginning astronomically at an equinox or solstice, is characterized by specific meteorological or climatic conditions.
- The two divisions of the year, rainy and dry, in some tropical regions.
- A recurrent period characterized by certain occurrences, occupations, festivities, or crops: the holiday season; tomato season.
- A suitable, natural, or convenient time: a season for merriment.
- A period of time: gone for a season.
verb: -soned, -son·ing, -sons.
transitive verb
- To improve or enhance the flavor of (food) by adding salt, spices, herbs, or other flavorings.
- To add zest, piquancy, or interest to: seasoned the lecture with jokes.
- To treat or dry (lumber, for example) until ready for use; cure.
- To render competent through trial and experience: a lawyer who had been seasoned by years in the trial courts.
- To accustom or inure; harden: troops who had been seasoned in combat. See synonyms at harden
- To moderate; temper.
intransitive verb
- To become usable, competent, or tempered.
idioms
- in season
- Available or ready for eating or other use. Legally permitted to be caught or hunted during a specified period. At the right moment; opportunely. In heat. Used of animals.
- out of season
- Not available, permitted, or ready to be eaten, caught, or hunted. Not at the right or proper moment; inopportunely.
