aphrodisiac

American  

[af-ruh-dee-ze-ak, -diz-ee-ak] / ˌæf rəˈdi zɛˌæk, -ˈdɪz iˌæk /

adjective

1. Also aphrodisiacal arousing sexual desire.

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noun

1. an aphrodisiac food, drug, potion, or other agent that arouses sexual desire.

aphrodisiac British  

/ ˌæfrəˈdɪzɪæk /

noun

1. a drug, food, etc, that excites sexual desire

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adjective

1. exciting or heightening sexual desire

aphrodisiac Cultural  

1. A substance or quality that excites sexual desire.

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Discover More

Aphrodisiacs are named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Other Word Forms

• antiaphrodisiac adjective

Etymology

Origin of aphrodisiac

1710–20; < Greek aphrodīsiak ós relating to love or desire, equivalent to aphrodī́si ( os ) of Aphrodite + -akos -ac

Explanation

An aphrodisiac is a drug (or something else) that puts people in the mood for sex. Anything described as aphrodisiac gets folks ready for sex. In some cases, that could be a drug. Other people find candles, music, or even dimming the lights to be aphrodisiacs. Food is considered a major aphrodisiac by many people, and there are several foods like oysters and chocolate that are thought to have an aphrodisiac effect. When you see aphrodisiac, think sexual.

Example Sentences

Where Ina goes, I will follow, whether it’s denim shirts as daily uniform, roast chicken as aphrodisiac, or the need for “good” olive oil.

From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2022

Rhino horns are sold by poachers in South Asia, China, Vietnam and some other countries because of a belief that they contain an aphrodisiac and medicinal properties.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2021

So too can inequitable division of household labor—exhaustion with a side of resentment is hardly an aphrodisiac.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2020

Black jewfish are prized for their swim bladders – considered a delicacy and an aphrodisiac in some Asian markets.

From The Guardian • Sep. 3, 2020

The Hindoo physicians state that the root decoction in milk is aphrodisiac; the root is also regarded as an antidote for the bite of the “cobra da cabelho,” but its virtue is purely imaginary.

From The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by Thomas, Jerome Beers