Orrisroot

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A fragrant powder made from the rhizomes of particular iris plants, often employed in the fragrance industry for its pleasant aroma
2. Derived from the roots of specific iris species, this aromatic substance is commonly utilized in perfumes and cosmetics for scent enhancement
3. A scented powder sourced from the rhizomes of certain iris plants, primarily used in the crafting of perfumes and beauty products for its alluring fragrance

Etymology: Orris root is the dried, powdered rhizome of certain irises, and it has been prized for its violet-like scent for centuries. The "orris" part is the older name, which came into English from Old French "orice," itself a shortened form of Latin "iris," the flower's name. So the word is a compound in which the familiar "root" is simply the plant part being used, while "orris" is an iris name that has nearly vanished from everyday speech. The surprise is how far the first half has travelled from the flower. Iris itself is Greek for rainbow and for the messenger goddess Iris, yet the word that reached English through French was pared down to something that sounds like a separate, unrelated noun. Only specialists in perfume and botany still hear the iris in it.