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

It has been used as an aphrodisiac in African countries.22 Zinc Zinc deficiency has been associated with lower levels of testosterone and lower levels of sperm in semen. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

According to Véronique Nyberg, senior perfumer at Molton Brown, strawberries are also a natural aphrodisiac and add a sensual and luscious quality, making the wearer feel just a little more flirtatious. —Venus Wong, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025

Vibe By California Edible Aphrodisiacs: Cooking Up Romance with Cannabis Why not spice up your culinary adventures by combining cannabis with traditional aphrodisiac ingredients? —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025

For Valentine’s Day 2025, the restaurant will offer a special aphrodisiac menu Friday through Sunday. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 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