'gustative' originates from Latin, specifically from the Medieval/Neo-Latin adjective 'gustativus', which in turn comes from the verb 'gustare' meaning 'to taste' and the noun 'gustus' meaning 'taste'.

'gustative' changed from Medieval/Neo-Latin 'gustativus' and was borrowed into modern English (via scientific and literary Latin usage, and via French forms such as 'gustatif') to become the English adjective and noun 'gustative'.

Initially, it meant 'relating to tasting' or 'serving to taste'; over time it has retained that basic sense and is still used to describe things pertaining to taste or taste stimuli.