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

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

Power and control are aphrodisiacs, stimulants and a hallucinogen all rolled into one.

From Salon

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

From Salon

For U.S. mass media, Henry Kissinger’s quip that “power is the ultimate aphrodisiac” rang as an obvious truism.

From Salon

“Power,” he once said, “is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”

From Washington Times