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 With such factors in mind, these are the foods that are often thought of as being aphrodisiacs. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 Some couples also turn to specific foods that are purported to increase arousal − foods that are known as aphrodisiacs. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 These genitals, which are often marketed as aphrodisiacs or traditional medicines in various parts of the world, are then dried and sold. Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 This means each bar is infused with a different type of mushroom that allows the sweet treat to double as a stimulant, sleep aid, or even aphrodisiac. Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aphrodisiac 

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 5 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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