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Definition of osmanthus

osmanthus

/ɑːzˈmæn.θəs/
os · man · thus
Plural:osmanthuses
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osmanthus Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The dried blossoms of the sweet osmanthus plant, widely used in traditional East Asian cuisine, teas, and perfumery for their distinctive sweet, fruity aroma.

Example

"She ordered a traditional dessert of glutinous rice balls swimming in a warm, sweet osmanthus syrup."

2

Any of various evergreen shrubs or small trees of the genus Osmanthus in the olive family (Oleaceae), native primarily to eastern Asia, characterized by small, highly fragrant tubular flowers.

Example

"The courtyard garden was filled with the intoxicating, apricot-like scent of a blooming osmanthus."

Word Nuance & Usage

Often refers specifically to the sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) when used in culinary and fragrance contexts, typically functioning as an uncountable noun in these usages.

• Rhymes for osmanthus

• Nearby Words

oscilloscope
oseltamivir
oslo
osmanthus
osmerid
osmophobia
osmosis

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Modern Latin in 1790, derived from the Greek words 'osmē' (fragrance, smell) and 'anthos' (flower), directly describing the plant's highly aromatic blooms.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Osmanthus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/osmanthus
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