The word "perfume" is spelled with seven letters and is pronounced /pərˈfjuːm/. The first syllable "per" is pronounced with a schwa sound, while the second syllable "fume" is pronounced with a long u sound. The letter "r" after the first syllable is not pronounced, making the sound flow continuously from the first to the second syllable. "Perfume" refers to a fragrant liquid or substance used to give a pleasant scent to the body, clothes or air.
Perfume is a noun that refers to a fragrant liquid or substance that is used to apply to the body, especially to enhance or add a pleasant scent. It is derived from the Latin word "perfumare," which means "to smoke through." Perfume is commonly used as a cosmetic product and is made by combining various aromatic essential oils, solvents, and fixatives.
The purpose of perfume is primarily to enhance personal grooming and create a pleasant and attractive scent. It is commonly applied to the skin, particularly on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears. It can also be sprayed onto clothing or hair to leave a lingering fragrance. Perfume is available in various forms such as sprays, oils, balms, and solid sticks.
Perfume has played a significant role in human culture for centuries. It has been used for religious ceremonies, to mask unpleasant odors, for personal adornment, and as a symbol of luxury. The art of creating perfumes has evolved over time, with different fragrance families and notes being developed to suit individual preferences.
Not only does perfume provide a pleasing aroma, but it can also evoke memories and emotions. The olfactory sense is closely linked to memory, making scents a powerful trigger for recalling specific experiences or places. As such, perfume is often used as a means of self-expression and personal style.
Overall, perfume can be described as a scented liquid or substance that is applied to the body to enhance personal grooming and create an attractive scent, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond the sense of smell.
• A substance that affects agreeably the organs of smell by giving forth a vapour, which is generally invisible; sweet odour; scent.
• To fill or impregnate with a sweet or grateful odour; to scent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "perfume" originated from the Latin term "per fumum", which literally means "through smoke". This is because in ancient times, various aromatic substances were burned and the smoke was believed to carry their pleasant fragrance. Over time, the word evolved to refer to substances with a pleasant scent that could be applied or used to create a pleasant odor.