noun / adjective
aphrodisiac
af-ruh-DIZ-ee-ak/ˌæfrəˈdɪziæk/
Believed to increase sexual desire, or a substance with this effect.
The couple shares oysters as a purported aphrodisiac during their intimate evening.
Etymology
Aphrodite’s association with love made “pertaining to Aphrodite” a way to describe sexual matters. The related Greek adjective meant “inducing sexual desire,” leading to the noun for a preparation believed to arouse desire.
In context
Because the myth is, that oysters in particular, as seafood, shellfish, will have that property of enhancing... Libido - An aphrodisiac
More examples
- The historian studies foods once considered aphrodisiacs.
- The menu plays on chocolate's aphrodisiac reputation.
- The article questions the alleged aphrodisiac effects of the herb.
Forms
aphrodisiac · aphrodisiacs
Similar words
- stimulant
- Increases activity or alertness without necessarily increasing sexual desire.