ylang-ylang
ylang-ylang Lexical Profile
• noun
A strongly scented, floral essential oil extracted from the flowers of this tree, widely used in luxury perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.
"The massage therapist used a relaxing blend of lavender, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang to relieve her client's stress."
A tropical tree (Cananga odorata) of the custard apple family, native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, cultivated for its highly fragrant, drooping greenish-yellow flowers.
"We planted a young ylang-ylang near the patio so its sweet, intoxicating fragrance would carry into the house on warm evenings."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Tagalog 'ilang-ilang', a reduplication of the word 'ilang' meaning 'wilderness' or 'remote', referring to the tree's natural forest habitat. It is often mistranslated in popular culture as 'flower of flowers'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.