aphrodisiac

noun

aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac ˌa-frə-ˈdē-zē-ˌak  -ˈdi-zē- 

: an agent (such as a food or drug) that arouses or is held to arouse sexual desire

aphrodisiac adjective

or less commonly aphrodisiacal

ˌa-frə-di-ˈsī-ə-kəl 

-ˈzī-

Examples of aphrodisiac in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These genitals, which are often marketed as aphrodisiacs or traditional medicines in various parts of the world, are then dried and sold. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

This means each bar is infused with a different type of mushroom that allows the sweet treat to double as a stimulant, sleep aid, or even aphrodisiac. —Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 19 Sep. 2024

Esther Perel, a renowned relationship expert, suggests that jealousy can sometimes be an aphrodisiac, making our partners seem more desirable. —Remy Blumenfeld, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Aug. 2024

Some of them went in search of caterpillar fungus, which serves as an aphrodisiac in Chinese medicine; those who were adept at finding the fungus in the wilds of western China could afford to live in small towns by working only a few weeks a year. —Sulmaan Khan, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2014

Word History

Etymology

Greek aphrodisiakos sexual, gem with aphrodisiac properties, from aphrodisia heterosexual pleasures, from neuter plural of aphrodisios of Aphrodite, from Aphroditē

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aphrodisiac

• anti-aphrodisiac

Medical Definition

aphrodisiac

1 of 2 adjective

aph·​ro·​di·​si·​ac ˌaf-rə-ˈdē-zē-ˌak  -ˈdiz-ē- 

variants also aphrodisiacal

ˌaf-rəd-ə-ˈzī-ə-kəl  -ˈsī- 

: exciting sexual desire

aphrodisiac

2 of 2 noun

: an aphrodisiac agent