attar

noun

at·​tar ˈa-tər  ˈa-ˌtär 

variants or less commonly otto

ˈä-(ˌ)tō 

: a fragrant essential oil (as from rose petals)

also : fragrance

Synonyms

• aroma
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

Example Sentences

exuding the attar of jasmine, the beautifully bejeweled woman set off for the ball

Recent Examples on the Web

Try the Künefe dessert, made with spun pastry called kataifi, soaked in attar syrup, and layered with melted, unsalted cheese. —Angelina Villa-clarke, Forbes, 12 June 2022

Queen Charlotte had an entire room at Windsor Castle dedicated to her snuff collection, her favorite of which was named Violet Strasbourg, a blend mixed with bitter almonds, ambergris, and attar. —Lauren Puckett, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Jan. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Persian ʽaṭir perfumed, from Arabic, from ʽiṭr perfume

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

attar

noun

at·​tar ˈat-ər 

ˈa-ˌtär

: a fragrant oil that comes from a plant (as the rose) and is used in perfumes or flavorings

also : fragrance

Medical Definition

attar

noun

at·​tar ˈat-ər  ˈa-ˌtär 

: a fragrant essential oil

especially : attar of roses