The term WORD BEFORE TOAST OR AFTER PEACH is solved by the crossword answer MELBA, which is a five-letter word. Melba is a reference to the Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931). She was known for her performances of works by Wagner and Verdi, as well as her invention of the dessert Peach Melba. The phrase 'Word before toast or after peach' is a reference to the dessert, which is typically served with toast and topped with peaches.