aromatic

[ ar-uh-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. having an aroma; fragrant or sweet-scented; odoriferous.
2. Chemistry. of or relating to an aromatic compound or compounds.

noun

1. a plant, drug, or medicine yielding a fragrant aroma, as sage or certain spices and oils.
2. aromatic compound.

aromatic

/ ˌærəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. having a distinctive, usually fragrant smell
2. (of an organic compound) having an unsaturated ring containing alternating double and single bonds, esp containing a benzene ring; exhibiting aromaticity Compare aliphatic

noun

1. something, such as a plant or drug, giving off a fragrant smell

aromatic

/ ăr′ə-măt′ĭk /

1. Relating to an organic compound containing at least one benzene ring or similar ring-shaped component. Naphthalene and TNT are aromatic compounds.
2. Compare aliphatic

Derived Forms

• ˌaroˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• aro·mati·cal·ly adverb
• aro·matic·ness noun
• nonar·o·matic adjective
• nonar·o·mati·cal·ly adverb
• unar·o·matic adjective
• unar·o·mati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of aromatic¹

1325–75; Middle English aromatyk (< Middle French ) < Late Latin arōmaticus < Greek arōmatikós. See aroma, -ic

Example Sentences

The process produces hazardous waste and releases carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are toxic at very low concentrations.

From Salon

Ripple calls their vapes “aromatic diffusers” and notes they are vegan and cruelty free.

From Los Angeles Times

Known for its mustard-like kick, it is an aromatic spice traditionally eaten with sushi.

From BBC

The mixture is then left to ferment for several weeks, transforming the banana pulp into a potent, aromatic wine, containing 13% alcohol - similar to wine made from grapes.

From BBC

But a lack of lawns doesn’t equate to a lack of life: Picture aromatic sagebrush, bright yellow sunflowers, flowering yuccas, humble scrubs and native grasses billowing in the breeze.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fragrant
• perfumed
• pungent
• savory
• scented
• spicy
• sweet