aroma

[ uh-roh-muh ]

noun

1. an odor arising from spices, plants, cooking, etc., especially an agreeable odor; fragrance.
2. (of wines and spirits) the odor or bouquet.
3. a pervasive characteristic or quality.

aroma

/ əˈrəʊmə /

noun

1. a distinctive usually pleasant smell, esp of spices, wines, and plants
2. a subtle pervasive quality or atmosphere

Word History and Origins

Origin of aroma¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; from Latin, from Greek: “spice”; replacing Middle English aromat, from Old French, from Latin arōmat- (stem of arōma )

Word History and Origins

Origin of aroma¹

C18: via Latin from Greek: spice

Synonym Study

See perfume.

Example Sentences

While for Palestinians themselves, he hopes that it’s a way to reconnect with their roots in a Proustian rush of memory triggered by an aroma.

From BBC

The aroma of cooked meats typically comes from chemical reactions between sugars and amino acids.

From Salon

Cranberries' flavor and aroma come from compounds in the fruit such as cinnamates that add cinnamon notes, vanillin for hints of vanilla, benzoates and benzaldehyde, which tastes like almonds.

From Salon

The aromas the team tested on participants were vanilla, almond, lemon, lemon myrtle, eucalyptus, peppermint, vinegar and lemongrass.

From Science Daily

"This complex process involves several stages and the activity of various micro-organisms, which help develop the beans' flavour, aroma, and colour," he says.

From BBC

Related Words

• bouquet
• odor
• perfume
• scent
• spice