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Perfume: Definition, Types, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：fragrant liquid (Perfume)
Perfume
/ˈpɜːr.fjuːm/
n., v.
A liquid with a nice smell made from flowers or chemicals that people put on their skin.
fragrant liquid
➕
/ˈfreɪɡrənt ˈlɪkwɪd/
n., v.
A liquid substance, typically made from essential oils or synthetic aromas, applied to the body to give a pleasant smell.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'per' (through) + 'fumum' (smoke), referring to fragrant smoke from burning incense.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'per' (through) + 'fume' (smoke) → fragrance carried through smoke.
📖 Example
She sprayed a little perfume on her wrists before going to the party.
She sprayed a little perfume on her wrists before going to the party.
🔗 Collocations
eau de parfum – a perfume with a high concentration of fragrance oils
perfume bottle – a container for perfume
perfume spray – an atomizer that dispenses perfume
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
stench (n.) – a very unpleasant smell
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Ancient Egyptians used incense in rituals; later, Romans soaked herbs in oil. Modern perfume began in 14th-century Hungary with scented water for Queen Elizabeth.
Meaning 2：to scent (Perfume)
Perfume
/ˈpɜːr.fjuːm/
n., v.
To make something or a place smell nice, by adding a sweet smell to it.
to scent
➕
/tuː sɛnt/
n., v.
To fill or impregnate something with a pleasant odor, often naturally by flowers or by applying a fragrant substance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The flowers in the garden perfume the whole evening air.
The flowers in the garden perfume the whole evening air.
🔗 Collocations
perfume the air – to make the air smell sweet
perfume a room – to add a pleasant fragrance to a room
perfume one's clothes – to apply scent to clothing
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
deodorize (v.) – to remove or neutralize odors
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