Origin: 1525–35; earlier
parfume (n.) < MF
parfum, n. deriv. of
parfumer (v.) < obs. It
parfumare (mod.
profumare).
See per-, fume 
Related forms: per⋅fume⋅less, adjective
per⋅fum⋅y, adjective
Synonyms:
1. essence, attar, scent; incense. 2. Perfume, aroma, fragrance all refer to agreeable odors. Perfume often indicates a strong, rich smell, natural or manufactured: the perfume of flowers. Fragrance is usually applied to fresh, delicate, and delicious odors, esp. from growing things: fragrance of new-mown hay. Aroma is restricted to a somewhat spicy smell: the aroma of coffee.
Antonyms:
2. stench.