aphrodisiac

noun

aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac ˌa-frə-ˈdē-zē-ˌak How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio) -ˈdi-zē- How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio)
: an agent (such as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire
aphrodisiac adjective
or less commonly aphrodisiacal

Examples of aphrodisiac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts all made with aphrodisiac ingredients to heat up your Valentine's Day. The Courier-Journal, 5 Feb. 2024 Jasmine While some cultures believe jasmine (jasminum) to be an aphrodisiac, there’s little scientific evidence to prove that’s true. Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024 And the low-key aphrodisiac of roast chicken conveys something that a boneless breast cannot. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024 Additionally, too much alcohol limits your ability to orgasm. 07 Alter your diet Figs, bananas, and avocados, are widely considered libido-boosting foods or aphrodisiacs. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 6 Feb. 2024 Horny Goat Weed is a powerful herbal supplement known for its aphrodisiac qualities. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023 Beyond these species’ longstanding role as a source of pigment, their stems and leaves are still prized in the region, including in neighboring Jordan, for their antioxidant, antibacterial and even aphrodisiac qualities. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023 When these males then received smaller quantities of methyl salicylate, their mating success rates returned to normal, demonstrating how the chemical works more like an aphrodisiac. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 Aug. 2023 The key ingredient in these pills is a blend of botanical extracts, specifically chosen for their aphrodisiac properties. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aphrodisiac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek aphrodisiakos sexual, gem with aphrodisiac properties, from aphrodisia heterosexual pleasures, from neuter plural of aphrodisios of Aphrodite, from Aphroditē

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphrodisiac was in 1711

Dictionary Entries Near aphrodisiac

Cite this Entry

“Aphrodisiac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphrodisiac. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

aphrodisiac

1 of 2 adjective
aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac ˌaf-rə-ˈdē-zē-ˌak How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio) -ˈdiz-ē- How to pronounce aphrodisiac (audio)
variants also aphrodisiacal
: exciting sexual desire

aphrodisiac

2 of 2 noun
: an aphrodisiac agent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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