perfume
[ noun pur-fyoom, per-fyoom; verb per-fyoom, pur-fyoom ]
/ noun ˈpɜr fyum, pərˈfyum; verb pərˈfyum, ˈpɜr fyum /
noun
a substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell, especially a fluid containing fragrant natural oils extracted from flowers, woods, etc., or similar synthetic oils.
the scent, odor, or volatile particles emitted by substances that smell agreeable.
verb (used with object), per·fumed, per·fum·ing.
(of substances, flowers, etc.) to impart a pleasant fragrance to.
to impregnate with a sweet odor; scent.
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Nearby words
Origin of perfume
SYNONYMS FOR perfume
2 Perfume, aroma, fragrance all refer to agreeable odors. Perfume often indicates a strong, rich smell, natural or manufactured: the perfume of flowers. Fragrance is usually applied to fresh, delicate, and delicious odors, especially from growing things: fragrance of new-mown hay. Aroma is restricted to a somewhat spicy smell: the aroma of coffee.
Related forms
per·fume·less, adjectiveper·fum·y, adjectiveun·per·fumed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for perfume
British Dictionary definitions for perfume
perfume
noun (ˈpɜːfjuːm)
a mixture of alcohol and fragrant essential oils extracted from flowers, spices, etc, or made synthetically, used esp to impart a pleasant long-lasting scent to the body, stationery, etcSee also cologne, toilet water
a scent or odour, esp a fragrant one
verb (pəˈfjuːm)
(tr) to impart a perfume to
Word Origin for perfume
C16: from French parfum, probably from Old Provençal perfum, from perfumar to make scented, from per through (from Latin) + fumar to smoke, from Latin fumāre to smoke
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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