bitter

adj. denoting the unpleasant taste evoked by most alkaloids, glycosides, vitamins, and some salts. Each bitter chemical is recognized by one or more of a family of about 60 receptor proteins; some 15% of the human taste cells possess these proteins and therefore the capacity to signal bitterness. Bitter tastes are also associated with toxic chemicals. —bitterness n.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

social degeneracy

a condition in which social structures and behavioral norms no longer function constructively.