aromatherapy

noun

aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē 

: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes

broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being

aromatherapeutic

ə-ˌrō-mə-ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 

adjective

aromatherapist

ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pist 

noun

Examples of aromatherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These New Age ideas, according to the report, are trickling into what consumers wear like symbolic jewelry and aromatherapy perfume. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2024

For a relaxing aromatherapy moment, roll it on your temples or dot it right under your nose. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 14 June 2024

Find it on Amazon Enjoy an Aromatherapy Session With These Shower Steamers Create a home spa with soothing aromatherapy. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2024

Another must-try is the Crystal Reiki massage, combining renowned Reiki with crystal healing and aromatherapy, leaving you feeling grounded. —Yasemen Kaner-White, theweek, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French aromathérapie, from aroma-, Latinized form of arome aroma + thérapie therapy

Note: The French word was promulgated and apparently coined by the chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950), in Aromathérapie—les huiles essentielles hormones végétales (Paris, 1937) and other publications.

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aromatherapy

noun

aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē 

plural aromatherapies

: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes

Aromatherapy relies on very concentrated "essential" oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with purported healing properties.

—Jane E. Brody, The New York Times

broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being

aromatherapeutic

-ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 

adjective

aromatherapeutic oils

aromatherapist

-ˈther-ə-pəst 

noun