Origin: 1525–35; earlier
parfume (noun) <
Middle French parfum, noun derivative of
parfumer (v.) <
obsolete Italian parfumare (modern
profumare).
See per-, fume Related formsper·fume·less, adjective
per·fum·y, adjective
un·per·fumed, 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, especially from growing things: fragrance of new-mown hay. Aroma is restricted to a somewhat spicy smell: the aroma of coffee.
Antonyms
2. stench.