aroma
uh-ROH-muh
/əˈroʊ.mə/
A distinctive, typically pleasant smell, especially one derived from food, wine, or spices.
While 'smell' is neutral and 'odor' is often negative, 'aroma' almost always implies something inviting and complex, often related to the volatile compounds released during cooking or brewing.
The story behind the word. Originally, the Greek word 'aroma' referred specifically to spices and fragrant herbs. It entered Middle English via Old French, maintaining its connection to the pleasant, spicy scents of the kitchen and the marketplace.
Word relationships
- scent: Scent is more general and can apply to flowers or perfumes, whereas aroma is more food-centric.
- fragrance: Fragrance is typically used for perfumes or flowers rather than savory foods.
- stench: A strong, foul, and highly unpleasant smell.
Commonly confused with
- bouquet: Aroma refers to the smell of the raw ingredients (like the grape), while bouquet refers to the complex smells developed during processing (like fermentation or aging).
Word family
- aromatic (adjective): Having a pleasant and distinctive smell.
- aromatize (verb): To give a pleasant smell to something.
Collocations
- rich aroma
- enticing aroma
- subtle aroma
- aroma profile
Example sentences
- "The aroma of fresh coffee was the only thing that could pull him from the depths of sleep." Describing a morning ritual in literature.
- "The aroma of the woods after rain and the aroma of the kitchen were the two scents of his childhood." A classic literary description of nature and food.
Memory hook
Think of 'A Roman' (A-Roma) walking through a spice market in ancient Rome, surrounded by wonderful smells. Aroma is for the nose, what flavor is for the tongue.
When not to use
Avoid using 'aroma' for unpleasant or chemical smells; use 'stench' or 'odor' instead.
Fun facts
- Humans can distinguish over one trillion different aromas, far more than the basic tastes we can perceive.
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