philter

noun

phil·​ter ˈfil-tər How to pronounce philter (audio)
1
: a potion credited with magical power
2
: a potion, drug, or charm held to have the power to arouse sexual passion

Word History

Etymology

Middle French philtre, from Latin philtrum, from Greek philtron; akin to Greek philos dear

First Known Use

circa 1563, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of philter was circa 1563

Dictionary Entries Near philter

Cite this Entry

“Philter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philter. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

philter

noun
phil·​ter
variants or chiefly British philtre
: a potion, drug, or charm held to have the power to arouse sexual passion

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