u·ma·mi (ōō-mä'mē) n. A taste that is characteristic of monosodium glutamate and is associated with meats and other high-protein foods. It is sometimes considered to be a fifth basic taste along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Main Entry: uma·mi Pronunciation: ü-'mä-mE Function: noun : a taste sensation that is meaty or savory and is produced by several amino acidsand nucleotides (as aspartate, inosinate, and glutamate) —umamiadjective