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

The bar is essentially a pistachio rendition of knafeh: a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with kataifi, soaked in a sugar-based syrup called attar, and layered with cheese, clotted cream or nuts.

From Salon

"My entire family has been wiped out in an instant", says Ashraf El Attar, "leaving me with nothing".

From BBC

Killed in the strike were Mr El Attar's wife - Hala Khattab, a teacher - and their six children - a 15-year-old boy, a one-year-old girl, and their four 10-year-old quadruplets.

From BBC

When he came to, Mr El Attar says he was in "severe pain" and the house "was in ruins".

From BBC

Sam Attar reckons he left part of his soul in Gaza.

From BBC

Related Words

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