aphrodisiac
/ˌafrəˈdɪzɪak
/noun
A food, drink, or other thing that stimulates sexual desire: power is the ultimate aphrodisiac...
- For example, alcohol is commonly viewed as an aphrodisiac that increases sexual desire and capacity.
- In spite of its name, it is neither a stimulant nor an aphrodisiac.
- The meal was vegetarian and lacked most spices, since certain foods are mild aphrodisiacs and monks supposedly lead celibate lives.
Synonyms
love potion, philtre;
stimulant
adjective
Of the nature of an aphrodisiac; stimulating sexual desire: the aphrodisiac effects of ylang-ylang oil...
- Perfumes are often used like pheromones, for that aphrodisiac effect.
- Among many of its healing effects, its aphrodisiac quality has been successfully documented and appreciated for thousands of years.
- By now she knows exactly the aphrodisiac effect she has on men.
Synonyms
erotic, sexy, sexually arousing, stimulative, stimulant
rare venereous
Derivatives
aphrodisiacal
- A fingernail scraping of ambergris dissolved in water, then added to the sauce, is credited with aphrodisiacal powers - which might help explain its price of ninety dollars per ounce.
- Not only are oysters reportedly aphrodisiacal - Casanova famously feasted on them every day - they are a sensuous, zinc-rich texture food full of squelchy, salty juiciness.
- The drugs produce highs and aphrodisiacal effects and have also been known to cause death.
Origin
Early 18th century: from Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisios, from Aphroditē (see Aphrodite).
The name Aphrodite for the goddess of beauty, fertility, and sexual love in Greek mythology lies behind aphrodisiac.