Orris butter is a fragrant substance commonly used in aromatherapy and perfumery. The correct spelling of this word is "ˈɔrɪs ˈbʌtər," with the first syllable pronounced as "or-iss" and the second as "but-ter." The word "orris" refers to the dried root of the iris plant, which is used to produce the fragrant oil that is then mixed with butter or another base to create orris butter. This unique and versatile substance is valued for its sweet, floral aroma and is used in a variety of different applications.
Orris butter refers to a fragrant substance obtained from the roots of the iris plant, predominantly the Iris germanica variety. It is renowned for its distinct scent, which combines floral and powdery notes, making it a sought-after ingredient in the perfume and cosmetics industries. The extraction of orris butter involves a meticulous process. The iris roots are collected, thoroughly cleaned, and then dried for approximately three years to remove any remaining moisture. This lengthy period is necessary to ensure the development of the compound responsible for the scent. Once dried, the roots are crushed into a fine powder, which is then combined with a fat or oil, typically coconut or jojoba, to create a semi-solid substance known as orris butter. The resulting product is a pale yellow to white butter with a smooth and creamy texture. Orris butter possesses fixative properties, meaning that it helps stabilize and prolong the fragrance of perfumes. Additionally, it is often used in skincare products, owing to its beneficial emollient and moisturizing characteristics. In traditional medicine, orris butter has been associated with various therapeutic properties, such as soothing respiratory issues and promoting relaxation. However, its primary use remains within the fragrance industry, where it adds a delicate and captivating note to an array of perfumes and cosmetic products.
A fatty volatile oil obtained by distillation with water from Florentine iris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "orris butter" is a compound term that consists of two words: "orris" and "butter".
1. Orris: The term "orris" comes from the Old French word "yris" or "iris", which in turn derives from the Latin word "iris". The Iris plant, scientifically known as Iris germanica, has a fragrant rootstock called "orris root" that is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent. The name "orris" refers to this rootstock.
2. Butter: The word "butter" has its roots in various Germanic languages. It can be traced back to the Old English word "butere" or "býtore", which originated from the Latin word "butyrum".