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Permanent link for this word: aphrodisiac

A.Word.A.Day--aphrodisiac

aphrodisiac (af-ruh-DIZ-ee-ak, -DEE-zee-)

adjective: Arousing or intensifying sexual desire.

noun: Something, such as a drug or food, having such an effect.

[Greek aphrodisiakos, from aphrodisia, sexual pleasures, from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty in Greek Mythology.]

"Here the myths have done wanton destruction to rhinos. Someone began the myth that rhino horns are an aphrodisiac. Scientifically it has been proved false and you can chew your finger nails if you like and nothing will stimulate you, for rhino horns and human finger nails are made of the same stuff called keratin, which forms nails and hair."
Kapungwe Bwalya; More on How Animals Have Influence On Humanity; The Times of Zambia; Sep 6, 1999.

This week's theme: Words from classical mythology

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