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

Example Sentences

"Power," he was fond of saying, "is the ultimate aphrodisiac."

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2023

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

In spite of the whole modern school of impressionists, æsthetes, and aphrodisiac poets, the most prominent features of Greek art are its intellectuality, its well-reasoned science, and its accurate conception of the ideal.

From Doctor Claudius, A True Story by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)