aphrodisiac

[ af-ruh-dee-ze-ak, -diz-ee-ak ]

adjective

1. Also aph·ro·di·si·a·cal [] arousing sexual desire.

noun

1. an aphrodisiac food, drug, potion, or other agent that arouses sexual desire.

aphrodisiac

/ ˌæfrəˈdɪzɪæk /

noun

1. a drug, food, etc, that excites sexual desire

adjective

1. exciting or heightening sexual desire

aphrodisiac

1. A substance or quality that excites sexual desire.

Notes

Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite , the Greek goddess of love.

Other Words From

• anti·aphro·disi·ac adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphrodisiac¹

1710–20; < Greek aphrodīsiak ós relating to love or desire, equivalent to aphrodī́si ( os ) of Aphrodite + -akos -ac

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphrodisiac¹

C18: from Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios belonging to Aphrodite

Example Sentences

"Caterpillar fungus is exported to China, where it is sold as an aphrodisiac and traditional medicine. Rural gatherers can sell it for about €11,500 per kilo. It fights poverty and helps transform local communities. That is, it allows people to send their children to better schools and build new houses. But because the trade goes unrecorded, local communities aren't getting what they could out of the product," says Carsten Smith-Hall.

From Science Daily

The unnamed clergyman was detained alongside another man on suspicion of selling the medication, as well as "other powerful aphrodisiac substances", according to El Pais.

From BBC

Trust is an aphrodisiac in “Safe Word.”

From New York Times

A guarantee of a safe life that cannot be delivered is the ultimate aphrodisiac for some.

From Salon

Still others say fish was served simply because it’s seen as an aphrodisiac.

From National Geographic