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

Rich in beneficial compounds such as amino acids, polyphenols, lecithin, gallic acid, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, Mucuna is used as a rejuvenating and aphrodisiac remedy in Ayurvedic medicine, and even to heal snake bites. —Alessandra Signorelli, Glamour, 21 July 2025

And in the face of tragic circumstances, seeing people care — really care — is a powerful aphrodisiac. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 June 2025

But which is the better aphrodisiac oysters or cannabis? —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 27 May 2025

The fruit is a famous aphrodisiac, and in this season of excessive heat, sensitivity is high and hormone levels are even higher. —Dinkinish O’Connor, Saveur, 8 May 2025

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