Perfume

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈpɜːfjuːm/

Definitions

1. A fragrant mixture designed for application on the body that serves both to enhance personal aroma and to create an enjoyable olfactory experience
2. A pleasant or distinctive smell perceived in the air ; a scented liquid used to add aroma to the skin or clothing
3. An agreeable fragrance often associated with flowers or spices ; a cosmetic product that imparts a distinctive smell when worn

Etymology: The word "perfume" entered English from Middle French "parfum" (also "perfum"), and the two forms are doublets, meaning they share a common origin but reached English by different routes. The French word itself came from Italian "parfumo," a term tied to the idea of smoke rising through the air. Its underlying sense is that of something that gives off a scent through smoke or vapour, which fits the older practice of burning aromatic substances rather than applying liquids. Because the English form arrived through French, its spelling and pronunciation kept a French flavour, and it was later used both as a noun for the scented substance and as a verb meaning to fill something with fragrance. The "per-" prefix, which suggests "through," helps explain the sense of a scent travelling outward and filling a space.

Synonyms: fragrance, scent, aroma, bouquet, essence

Antonyms: stench, odor, smell, reek