ambrette

noun

am·​brette
(ˈ)am¦bret
plural -s
1
: a French dessert pear having a musky odor
2
a
b
or ambrette seed : the seed of the abelmosk that resembles millet and has a musky scent

called also amber seed, musk seed

c
: a fragrant oil extracted from ambrette seed that is used chiefly in perfumery as a fixative
3

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from ambre amber + -ette

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambrette was in 1699

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ambrette

Cite this Entry

“Ambrette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambrette. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!