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

Aphrodisiac of power The conventional wisdom is that relationships with colleagues are to be deplored - and if it is with the boss, then you should run a mile or get the lawyers in.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2010