aphrodisiac

noun

aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac ˌa-frə-ˈdē-zē-ˌak  -ˈdi-zē- 

: an agent (such as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire

aphrodisiac adjective

or less commonly aphrodisiacal

ˌa-frə-di-ˈsī-ə-kəl 

-ˈzī-

Examples of aphrodisiac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For many couples, this combination of control and public space is a strong aphrodisiac! —Emma Lowrie, Miami Herald, 23 May 2024

Derived from the icariin compound found in the Epimedium plant, horny goat weed has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2023

Pros: Made from natural ingredients: Elm & Rye Male Libido is formulated with a blend of herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals that are known for their aphrodisiac properties. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2023

This supplement contains natural ingredients such as Korean ginseng and maca root, which are known for their aphrodisiac properties. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2023

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

Phrases Containing aphrodisiac

• anti-aphrodisiac

Medical Definition

aphrodisiac

1 of 2 adjective

aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac ˌaf-rə-ˈdē-zē-ˌak  -ˈdiz-ē- 

variants also aphrodisiacal

ˌaf-rəd-ə-ˈzī-ə-kəl  -ˈsī- 

: exciting sexual desire

aphrodisiac

2 of 2 noun

: an aphrodisiac agent