accord
uh-KORD
/əˈkɔːrd/
A balanced blend of three or more scent notes that lose their individual identities to create a completely new, unified olfactory impression.
In perfumery, an accord is more than just a mixture; it is a chemical and sensory synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
The story behind the word. While 'accord' has long meant agreement or harmony in English, perfumers borrowed the term from music. Just as a musical chord combines separate notes to create a single beautiful sound, a perfume accord combines separate scent notes to create a single, unified smell.
Word relationships
- blend: A blend can be any mixture of ingredients, whereas an accord specifically implies that the individual components have merged to create a unique new identity.
- harmony: Harmony is an abstract state of agreement, while an accord in perfumery is a concrete sensory structure.
- discord: Discord refers to a harsh, clashing combination of elements that fail to harmonize.
Commonly confused with
- note: A note is a single scent ingredient (like lemon or rose), while an accord is a complex blend of multiple notes acting as one.
Word family
- accordant (adjective): In agreement or harmony.
Collocations
- amber accord
- citrus accord
- leather accord
- harmonious accord
Example sentences
- "The perfumer created a warm amber accord by blending vanilla, benzoin, and labdanum in precise proportions." An analysis of a classic fragrance formula.
- "The green accord in the opening notes gave the fragrance a fresh, rain-soaked forest quality." Describing the sensory experience of a perfume.
Memory hook
Think of a musical 'chord' played on a piano—multiple keys pressed at once to make one beautiful, unified sound. Scent chord.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a single raw ingredient or a simple, unharmonized mixture of two scents.
Fun facts
- The famous 'Chypre' accord, which forms the backbone of many luxury perfumes, is a precise blend of oakmoss, patchouli, and bergamot.
Also appears in
- Communication → Agreements & Affirmations
- Conflict → Reconciliation & Peace
- Conflict → Compromise & Concession
- Conflict → Alliances & Coalitions
- Law → International Law & Treaties
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Climate Policy & International Agreements
- Military Science & Warfare → Peace, Ceasefire & Demobilization
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → International Environmental Accords
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