1 aphrodisiac | Definition of aphrodisiac

aphrodisiac

noun
aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac | \ ËŒa-frÉ™-ˈdÄ“-zÄ“-ËŒak How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio) , -ˈdi-zÄ“- How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio) \

Definition of aphrodisiac

: an agent (such as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire

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Other Words from aphrodisiac

aphrodisiac or less commonly aphrodisiacal \ ËŒa-​frÉ™-​di-​ˈsÄ«-​É™-​kÉ™l How to pronounce aphrodisiacal (audio) , -​ˈzÄ«-​ \ adjective

Examples of aphrodisiac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their art deco inspired Grand Suite served as an aphrodisiac with free-flowing champagne, 24-hour butler service, roses, chocolates and a plush bed made for two. Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "Ludacris and Eudoxie's Romantic Train Ride Through Europe Has Us Swooning," 29 July 2019 These markets cherish the horns as pieces of art, but more commonly the horn is ground up for use in traditional medicines or marketed as an aphrodisiac. NBC News, "Your safari selfies are cute, but they're a road map for poachers," 22 July 2019 The fungus-caterpillar husk combination is prized in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine as an immune booster, cancer treatment, and aphrodisiac. Jennifer Lu, National Geographic, "How a parasitic fungus turns ants into 'zombies'," 18 Apr. 2019 The play’s popularity is in part because of all the riotous confusion caused by fairies, love potions, aspiring actors, transformations into beasts, and aphrodisiac-crazed young lovers chasing each other in all the wrong combinations. Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, "It’s the summer of ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in SF Bay Area," 4 June 2019 Sagittarius Venus love to be entertained, so laughter will always be their number one aphrodisiac. Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What the Position of Venus in Your Birth Chart Means for You," 31 July 2018 At the event, the star asked which of the chocolate bars were considered an aphrodisiac. Madison Roberts, PEOPLE.com, "John Stamos Jokes About the 'Dad Bod' He Has to 'Work On' Three Months Into Being a Father," 11 July 2018 Southern white rhinos are hunted for their horns, which some cultures believe are an aphrodisiac. Bruce Henderson, charlotteobserver, "They've been hunted to near-extinction. A birth at the NC Zoo brings special joy.," 5 July 2018 Jimmy did not seek fame, and his aphrodisiac was craftsmanship. Alex Hitz, Town & Country, "Remembering Jimmy: Designer James Galanos Was a Gentleman of the Old School," 1 Nov. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aphrodisiac.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of aphrodisiac

1711, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for aphrodisiac

Greek aphrodisiakos sexual, gem with aphrodisiac properties, from aphrodisia heterosexual pleasures, from neuter plural of aphrodisios of Aphrodite, from Aphroditē

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More Definitions for aphrodisiac

aphrodisiac

adjective
aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac | \ ËŒaf-rÉ™-ˈdÄ“-zÄ“-ËŒak How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio) , -ˈdiz-Ä“- How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio) \
variants: also aphrodisiacal \ ËŒaf-​rÉ™d-​É™-​ˈzÄ«-​É™-​kÉ™l How to pronounce aphrodisiacal (audio) , -​ˈsÄ«-​ How to pronounce aphrodisiacal (audio) \

Medical Definition of aphrodisiac

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: exciting sexual desire

aphrodisiac

noun

Medical Definition of aphrodisiac (Entry 2 of 2)

: an aphrodisiac agent

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