From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordAustēros can describe an austere, dry, or rough taste.
- In StobaeusIn the taste account, particles roughen the tongue with different strengths.
- In this edition“Austere” preserves the technical contrast; “mildly rough” explains the relative effect intended here.
- A place to beginAustere taste is the milder roughening in a contrast with astringency.
- English renderings
- austere; dry and rough in taste
Meaning
Austēros can describe an austere, dry, or rough taste. Its intensity must be understood relative to the terms contrasted with it.
Use in the book
In the taste account, particles roughen the tongue with different strengths. The weaker effect is called austere, while the stronger is astringent. Consequently the ordinary English force of “harsh” can mislead if it suggests that this is the stronger member of the pair.
Places to read
- I.55.2.2Austere taste is the milder roughening in a contrast with astringency.
Translation in this edition
“Austere” preserves the technical contrast; “mildly rough” explains the relative effect intended here.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 494. The passage’s scale is local to its explanation. It should not be converted into a universal modern classification of flavors.