aroma

[uh-roh-muh]

noun

1. an odor arising from spices, plants, cooking, etc., especially an agreeable odor; fragrance.

2. (of wines and spirits) the odor or bouquet.

3. a pervasive characteristic or quality.

aroma

/ əˈrəʊmə /

noun

1. a distinctive usually pleasant smell, esp of spices, wines, and plants

2. a subtle pervasive quality or atmosphere

Word History and Origins

Origin of aroma¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; from Latin, from Greek: “spice”; replacing Middle English aromat, from Old French, from Latin arōmat- (stem of arōma )

Word History and Origins

Origin of aroma¹

C18: via Latin from Greek: spice

Synonym Study

See perfume.

Example Sentences

Its core is all plush red and dark fruit, and aromas of blackberry and spice.

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O’Neal hired a company that developed scents for Las Vegas casinos in an effort to eliminate the musty aroma that often plagues secondhand stores.

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Although the technology is constantly improving, the alcohol-removal process is seen by many to erase fragile grape aromas, while the alcohol is also viewed as a foundational flavour.

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I know what those delicious aromas mean—there are freshly baked pastries in the kitchen, calling my name.

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Another smelled like a pile of wet rope encrusted with seaweed and left to rot in the sun, and a nasty, fishy aroma it was.

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Related Words

• bouquet 
• odor 
• perfume 
• scent 
• spice