aromatherapy

noun

aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē 

: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes

broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being

aromatherapeutic

ə-ˌrō-mə-ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 

adjective

aromatherapist

ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pist 

noun

Examples of aromatherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Add your favorite scented oil to the diffuser drawer for a relaxing aromatherapy experience. —Miles Walls, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024

For a non-culinary option, consider using cardamom essential oil in aromatherapy for its relaxing scent. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 25 Nov. 2024

Here are some other examples of amenity strategies that, with effective management, can cater to both tenants and visitors: Merchandising: Selling high-end products like luxury shampoos or aromatherapy kits in your wellness center is a natural way to integrate retail into an experiential amenity. —Mark Zettl, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Vetiver is a plant whose oil can be used in aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French aromathérapie, from aroma-, Latinized form of arome aroma + thérapie therapy

Note: The French word was promulgated and apparently coined by the chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950), in Aromathérapie—les huiles essentielles hormones végétales (Paris, 1937) and other publications.

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

aromatherapy

noun

aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē 

plural aromatherapies

: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes

Aromatherapy relies on very concentrated "essential" oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with purported healing properties.

—Jane E. Brody, The New York Times

broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being

aromatherapeutic

-ˌther-ə-ˈpyü-tik 

adjective

aromatherapeutic oils

aromatherapist

-ˈther-ə-pəst 

noun