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pomander

noun
po·​man·​der | \ ˈpō-ˌman-dər How to pronounce pomander (audio) , pō-ˈman-\

Definition of pomander

1 : a mixture of aromatic substances enclosed in a perforated bag or box and used to scent clothes and linens or formerly carried as a guard against infection also : a clove-studded orange or apple used for the same purposes
2 : a box or hollow fruit-shaped ball for holding pomander
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about pomander

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Did You Know?

In earlier times, there was more at stake in the use of an "apple of amber" (the literal meaning of Anglo-French pomme de ambre, modified to "pomander" in Middle English) than the addition of holiday spirit. Pomanders were used to offset foul odors and were also believed to protect against disease. Early pomanders were usually mixtures of fragrant spices, herbs, etc. in small metal containers, and they were often worn on chains, as jewelry, around the neck or at the waist. Today, we no longer believe pomanders ward off infections, but we still like nice-smelling things, and the word pomander survives to name the modern version of this aromatic, decorative object.

Examples of pomander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Think of drinking red wine that has marinated a pomander orange. — Dave Mcintyre, chicagotribune.com, "You can drink wine from a can. Just don't drink it from a can.," 26 Dec. 2017

First Known Use of pomander

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for pomander

Middle English, modification of Anglo-French pomme de ambre, literally, apple or ball of amber

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More Definitions for pomander

pomander

noun
po·​man·​der | \ ˈpō-ˌman-dər, pō-ˈ How to pronounce pomander (audio) \

Medical Definition of pomander

: a mixture of aromatic substances enclosed in a perforated bag or box and used to scent clothes and linens or formerly carried as a guard against infection also : a clove-studded orange or apple used for the same purposes

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