aromatherapy

noun

aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce aromatherapy (audio)
: 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 adjective
aromatherapist noun

Examples of aromatherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Place eucalyptus or a Vick's shower tablet at the bottom of the shower to use the steam from the hot water and aromatherapy to help clear the nasal passages. Robin Elise Weiss, Phd, Parents, 30 July 2024 For years, the herb has been used to treat a host of ailments, for aromatherapy, skincare formulas and haircare. Amelia Bell, refinery29.com, 30 Apr. 2024 Its formula also has a calming floral-citrus scent blend of rose, jasmine, and bergamot for a subtle dose of aromatherapy. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 9 Sep. 2024 The resort also has a full-service spa, with dozens of menu options, including massages, facials, and aromatherapy sessions. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aromatherapy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aromatherapy.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aromatherapy was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near aromatherapy

Cite this Entry

“Aromatherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatherapy. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

aromatherapy

noun
aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce aromatherapy (audio)
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 adjective
aromatherapeutic oils
aromatherapist noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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