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

Sweet potatoes had already been brought back to Europe from Central and South America by Christopher Columbus and had made it to England by the 16th century — even mentioned as aphrodisiacs by Shakespeare. —Leah Asmelash, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

As the two disrobe and begin going at it, a knock at the door heralds their shipmate Willoughby, who’s come to inquire if Claire wants seconds on the broth (alleged to be an aphrodisiac). —Amy Wilkinson, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2024

With such factors in mind, these are the foods that are often thought of as being aphrodisiacs. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024

Some couples also turn to specific foods that are purported to increase arousal − foods that are known as aphrodisiacs. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024

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