fragrancy

American  

[frey-gruhn-see] / ˈfreɪ grən si /

noun

plural

fragrancies

1. fragrance.

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Usage

What does fragrancy mean? Fragrancy is a much less common word for fragrance—a pleasant scent, especially a somewhat strong one. Fragrancy is especially associated with flowers. The scent of something that smells good is typically called a fragrance or an aroma, while the scent of something that smells bad is typically called an odor. However, fragrance is sometimes used in a somewhat ironic or humorous way to refer to a scent that is strong and not good, as in There’s a strange fragrance coming from the leftovers in the fridge. In the same way, the related adjective fragrant is most commonly used to describe things that have a strong, pleasant scent, as in These flowers are so fragrant. However, the word can also be used in a somewhat ironic or humorous way, as in Your socks are a bit fragrant. Fragrancy can also be used to refer to the quality of being fragrant, as in This plant food claims to increase the flowers’ level of fragrancy. The word fragrance can also refer to a perfume or cologne, as in We have a wide selection of fragrances, but fragrancy is not used this way. Example: I always look forward to springtime, when the fragrancy of freshly bloomed flowers is in the air.

Etymology

Origin of fragrancy

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Sample: "The sidewalk flower stands exuding such clouds of heavy perfume that their owners should be arrested for fragrancy."

From Time Magazine Archive

The High German is indeed a lingua communis, not actually the native language of any province, but the choice and fragrancy of all the dialects.

From Biographia Literaria by Coleridge, Samuel Taylor

Open flowers are the sweetest, because full grown, and because, as such, they yield their fragrancy most freely.

From Works of John Bunyan — Volume 03 by Bunyan, John

The French specially value this grass for its stimulating fragrancy of vanilla and rose perfumes in the decoction.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas

"Affections are as thoughts to her, The measures of her hours; Her feelings have the fragrancy, The freshness of the flowers."

From True Tales of Arctic Heroism in the New World by Greely, Adolphus W.