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

Pros: Made from natural ingredients: Elm & Rye Male Libido is formulated with a blend of herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals that are known for their aphrodisiac properties. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2023

This supplement contains natural ingredients such as Korean ginseng and maca root, which are known for their aphrodisiac properties. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2023

The menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts all made with aphrodisiac ingredients to heat up your Valentine's Day. —The Courier-Journal, 5 Feb. 2024

Jasmine While some cultures believe jasmine (jasminum) to be an aphrodisiac, there’s little scientific evidence to prove that’s true. —Karen Hugg, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2024

And the low-key aphrodisiac of roast chicken conveys something that a boneless breast cannot. —Emily Heil, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024

Additionally, too much alcohol limits your ability to orgasm. 07 Alter your diet Figs, bananas, and avocados, are widely considered libido-boosting foods or aphrodisiacs. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 6 Feb. 2024

Horny Goat Weed is a powerful herbal supplement known for its aphrodisiac qualities. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023

Beyond these species’ longstanding role as a source of pigment, their stems and leaves are still prized in the region, including in neighboring Jordan, for their antioxidant, antibacterial and even aphrodisiac qualities. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023

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