Aromatize

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /əˈɹəʊmətaɪz/

Definitions

1. To introduce a pleasing scent to a substance, thereby enhancing its flavor or aroma, often achieved through the addition of specific aromatic compounds for sensory improvement
2. To add a fragrance or scent to a substance to improve its smell or flavor
3. To infuse an object or material with a pleasant aroma to enhance its sensory qualities

Etymology: Its root is the Greek "arōma," which meant spice or seasoning, especially the kinds used in cooking and embalming. The adjective "aromatikos" described anything spiced or fragrant. English took "aromatic" from Latin "aromaticus," and the verb ending "-ize" comes from Greek "-izein" through Latin "-izare," a common way to turn nouns and adjectives into verbs. The most surprising twist is in chemistry. Early chemists called certain compounds "aromatic" because many, such as benzene and its relatives, had strong smells. Once the ring structure of benzene was understood, the label came to mean a particular arrangement of bonds, whether or not the compound smelled of anything. In a chemistry lab, "aromatize" now means converting a molecule into that ring form, and a pleasant scent is no longer part of the meaning.

Synonyms: season, flavor, scent, fragrance, perfume

Antonyms: deodorize, neutralize, sterilize, dull, remove scent