vetiver

[ vet-uh-ver ]

noun

1. the long, fibrous, aromatic roots of an East Indian grass, Vetiveria zizanioides, used for making hangings and screens and yielding an oil used in perfumery.
2. Also called khus-khus. the grass itself.

vetiver

/ ˈvɛtɪvə /

noun

1. a tall hairless grass, Vetiveria zizanioides, of tropical and subtropical Asia, having aromatic roots and stiff long narrow ornamental leaves
2. the root of this plant used for making screens, mats, etc, and yielding a fragrant oil used in perfumery, medicine, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of vetiver¹

First recorded in 1840–50, vetiver is from the Tamil word veṭṭivēr

Word History and Origins

Origin of vetiver¹

C19: from French vétiver, from Tamil vettivẽru

Example Sentences

The notes range from ginger to orris root, white cedar and vetiver.

From Los Angeles Times

"Maintaining healthy soil is crucial," says Boggiss, who notes that the Tongan family farmers from whom Heilala sources have recently planted windbreaks of Pacific kauri trees and vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion.

From Salon

They joined Estève, her new partner, their new child and one other sibling in a one-bedroom home by the foot of a mountain where farmers grow corn, potatoes and vetiver, a plant whose oil is used in high-end perfumes.

From Seattle Times

They are planting vetiver grass to keep floodwaters at bay.

From New York Times

They planted vetiver and elephant grass to hold the riverbank in place.

From New York Times