Basic Definitions & Terminology
Basic Definitions & Terminology
1. Absolute
Definition: A concentrated, highly aromatic extract obtained through solvent extraction. Example: Jasmine absolute is used for its intense floral scent.
2. Accord
Definition: A blend of three or more fragrance notes that create a new, unified scent. Example: A fougère accord typically combines lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin.
3. Aldehydes
Definition: Organic compounds used in perfumery for their bright, sparkling effects. Example: Chanel No. 5 uses aldehydes to create its iconic fresh, sparkling top note.
4. Amber
Definition: A warm, sweet, and slightly powdery scent often used in base notes. Example: Amber notes in a perfume give it a cozy and rich aroma.
5. Animalic
Definition: Scents derived from animals, like musk or civet, giving a deep and sensual aroma. Example: Natural musk, which is rarely used today, now has synthetic substitutes.
6. Anosmia
Definition: The inability to perceive odor or a specific smell. Example: Some people might have anosmia to musk, meaning they can't smell it at all.
7. Aromatic
Definition: A term used to describe fragrances with a fresh, spicy, and herbal scent. Example: Lavender and rosemary are considered aromatic ingredients.
8. Base Note
Definition: The scent that lingers the longest and gives depth to a perfume. Example: Sandalwood and vanilla are common base notes.
9. Blending
Definition: The process of mixing different fragrance ingredients to create a perfume. Example: Blending rose and jasmine can create a beautiful floral scent.
10. Balsamic
Definition: Rich, sweet, and warm scents derived from resins. Example: Benzoin has a balsamic aroma, adding warmth to perfumes.
11. Carrier Agent
Definition: A substance used to dilute essential oils and absolutes for safe application. Example: Jojoba oil is a popular carrier agent in natural perfumes.
12. Chypre
Definition: A fragrance family characterized by citrus top notes, middle notes of labdanum, and oakmoss base notes.Example: Mitsouko by Guerlain is a classic chypre fragrance.
13. Citrus
Definition: Fresh and tangy scents derived from citrus fruits. Example: Bergamot and lemon are popular citrus notes.
14. Cold Pressed
Definition: A method of extracting oils from citrus peels by pressing them. Example: Lemon oil is often cold-pressed to maintain its fresh scent.
15. Compound
Definition: A mixture of different fragrance materials blended to create a perfume. Example: The compound of a perfume includes all the essential oils, absolutes, and synthetics.
16. Diffusion
Definition: The ability of a fragrance to spread and fill a space. Example: A well-diffusing perfume can be smelled from across the room.
17. Distillation
Definition: A process of extracting essential oils using steam. Example: Lavender oil is commonly distilled from the flowers.
18. Dry Down
Definition: The final phase of a perfume's development on the skin, when the base notes are most prominent. Example:The vanilla in a perfume becomes more noticeable during the dry down.
19. Eau de Cologne
Definition: A light, fresh fragrance with a low concentration of perfume oils. Example: 4711 is a famous eau de cologne known for its refreshing scent.
20. Eau de Parfum
Definition: A fragrance with a higher concentration of perfume oils, making it last longer. Example: Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum has a stronger scent than its Eau de Toilette counterpart.
21. Eau de Toilette
Definition: A lighter concentration of perfume oils, often used for daily wear. Example: Dior's Eau Sauvage is a popular Eau de Toilette.
22. Essential Oil
Definition: A concentrated plant extract obtained through distillation. Example: Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant.
23. Fixative
Definition: A substance used to stabilize and prolong the fragrance on the skin. Example: Musk acts as a fixative, helping the perfume last longer.
24. Floral
Definition: Fragrances that derive their scent from flowers. Example: Rose and jasmine are key notes in many floral perfumes.
25. Fougère
Definition: A fragrance family characterized by lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin. Example: Fougère Royale by Houbigant is a classic fougère perfume.
26. Fragrance Wheel
Definition: A visual representation of the different fragrance families and their relationships. Example: The wheel shows how citrus scents are related to fresh and floral notes.
27. Heart Note
Definition: The middle scent that emerges after the top note evaporates. Example: Rose is a common heart note in floral perfumes.
28. Herbaceous
Definition: Scents that are green, fresh, and often grassy or herbal. Example: Basil and thyme are herbaceous notes.
29. Hydrosol
Definition: A byproduct of the distillation process, often called floral water. Example: Rosewater is a hydrosol used for its light fragrance and skincare benefits.
30. Indole
Definition: A naturally occurring compound found in many white flowers, giving a slightly animalic scent. Example:Jasmine contains indole, adding depth to its floral aroma.
31. Isolate
Definition: A single, specific aromatic compound extracted from a natural source. Example: Linalool is an isolate found in lavender.
32. Layering
Definition: The technique of applying multiple products with different scents to create a unique fragrance. Example:Layering a vanilla body lotion with a floral perfume.
33. Middle Note
Definition: Also known as the heart note, it's the scent that forms the core of a perfume. Example: Lavender is a common middle note in many fragrances.
34. Musk
Definition: A deep, sensual scent originally derived from animals but now mostly synthetic. Example: Synthetic musk is used in perfumes to add warmth and longevity.
35. Natural
Definition: Ingredients derived from natural sources like plants, flowers, and fruits. Example: Natural lavender oil is extracted from lavender flowers.
36. Nose
Definition: A term for a perfumer, someone who creates fragrances. Example: Jacques Guerlain was a famous nose who created many iconic perfumes.
37. Notes
Definition: The individual components of a fragrance, categorized as top, middle, or base. Example: Bergamot is a top note, rose is a middle note, and sandalwood is a base note.
38. Oud
Definition: A rare and expensive resinous wood scent, known for its deep, woody aroma. Example: Oud is often used in luxury perfumes for its rich and complex scent.
39. Perfumery
Definition: The art and science of creating fragrances. Example: Studying perfumery involves learning about different scent materials and blending techniques.
40. Perfume Oil
Definition: A highly concentrated form of fragrance without alcohol. Example: Pure perfume oils are often used for a longer-lasting scent.
41. Resinoid
Definition: A semi-solid material obtained from resins, used to add depth to fragrances. Example: Benzoin resinoid adds a sweet, balsamic note to perfumes.
42. Sillage
Definition: The trail of scent left behind by a perfume. Example: A perfume with strong sillage can be smelled even after the wearer has left the room.
43. Solvent Extraction
Definition: A method of extracting aromatic compounds using solvents. Example: Jasmine absolute is obtained through solvent extraction, resulting in a rich and complex scent.
44. Synthetic
Definition: Man-made fragrance ingredients created in a lab. Example: Synthetic vanilla is often used in perfumes for its consistency and affordability.
45. Tincture
Definition: A liquid extraction of aromatic compounds from natural materials using alcohol or oil. Example: Vanilla tincture is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol.
46. Top Note
Definition: The initial scent perceived upon applying a perfume. Example: Lemon is a common top note, giving a fresh and bright first impression.
47. Tuberose
Definition: A highly fragrant white flower used in perfumery. Example: Tuberose adds a rich, floral note to perfumes like Fracas by Robert Piguet.
48. Vanilla
Definition: A sweet, creamy scent derived from vanilla beans. Example: Vanilla is often used in gourmand fragrances for its comforting aroma.
49. Vetiver
Definition: A grassy, earthy scent derived from the roots of the vetiver plant. Example: Vetiver is used in many men's fragrances for its woody, earthy character.
50. Woody
Definition: A fragrance family characterized by warm, dry, and resinous scents. Example: Cedarwood and sandalwood are classic woody notes.