Rhodinol

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A floral-scented organic compound that is predominantly used in the creation of fragrances for perfumes and personal care products is considered a significant aromatic ingredient
2. A naturally occurring organic compound characterized by its floral scent, prevalent in the perfume industry as a key aromatic component used in various scented products
3. An organic chemical with a floral aroma commonly incorporated into perfume formulations and personal care items

Etymology: Rhodinol is a chemist's name built from parts of Greek, and its story begins with the rose. The first half comes from Greek "rhodon," meaning "rose," which also gave us "rhododendron," literally "rose-tree." The second half, "-ol," is the standard chemical ending for alcohols, a family of compounds whose molecules carry a hydroxyl group. Rhodinol is not a single molecule but a name used for a mixture of closely related terpene alcohols, mainly citronellol and geraniol, with smaller amounts of related compounds. Those molecules occur naturally in rose oil and in geranium oils, which is why the perfume industry adopted the name for the blend. Because it was made to smell like roses at a lower cost than natural rose oil, it became a staple in fragrances and personal care products.