Tartness
/ˈtɑːrtnəs/noun
The quality of being tart; a sharp, sour, or acidic taste or character.
Did you know?English tart is historically linked to Germanic words for “rough” or “harsh,” which is why the word feels like a verbal sting before it ever meant a flavor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*þartaz
“rough, dry, harsh”
Old English
OE
tart
“sharp, severe, biting in taste or manner”
Middle English
ME
tart
“sharp-tasting; brisk or sour”
16th Century
English
tartness
“the quality of being sharp or sour in taste or tone”
Modern English
English
tartness
“the quality of being tart”