aphrodisiac

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀφροδισιακός (aphrodisiakós, “venereal”), from Άφροδίσιος (Áphrodísios, “pertaining to Aphrodite”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /æf.ɹoʊ.ˈdi.zi.æk/, /æf.ɹoʊ.ˈdɪ.zi.æk/
• Hyphenation: aph‧ro‧di‧si‧ac

Adjective

aphrodisiac (not comparable)

1. Arousing or intensifying sexual desire.

Noun

aphrodisiac (plural aphrodisiacs)

1. Something, generally a food or drug, having such an effect.
   • Henry Kissinger: Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

See also

• Butea superba

Further reading

• aphrodisiac in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• aphrodisiac in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911