attar

[ at-er, -ahr ]

noun

1. Also at·ar [] ath·ar [] ot·tar [] ot·to []. a perfume or essential oil obtained from flowers or petals.
2. Also called attar of roses,. rose oil.

attar

/ ˈɒtə; ˈɒtəʊ; ˈætə /

noun

1. an essential oil from flowers, esp the damask rose, used pure or as a base for perfume

   attar of roses

Word History and Origins

Origin of attar¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; short for Persian 'atar-gūl “attar of roses,” akin to ʿatara “to smell sweet,” ʿiṭr “fragrance” (from Arabic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of attar¹

C18: from Persian `atir perfumed, from `itr perfume, from Arabic

Example Sentences

There it was referred to as “earth perfume” or matti ka attar and perfumers bottled the smell and added it to their creations.

From The Guardian

“Our bathwater was scented with petals and attars. Believe me, don’t believe me, it was a luxury you cannot dream.”

From Literature

Or look for attar of roses geranium at your local nursery.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of a powder puff, there was a chamois leather bag with powdered chalk in it, scented with attar of roses from the crusades.

From Literature

They wore gloves and hats, and smelled to high heaven of attars, perfumes, eaus, and bath powder.

From Literature

Related Words

• aroma
• bouquet
• incense
• odor
• oil
• smell
• spice