Accord
A singularly identifiable scent that’s created using multiple aromachemicals. Contrast with note. Learn more about fragrance notes and accords.
Aromatic
A descriptive term for fragrances that have notes and accords reminiscent of culinary herbs and spices, including sage, rosemary, and cumin. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Atomizer
A small device that releases liquid as a fine spray.
Blend
To mix an existing fragrance with other aromachemicals, or other fragrances entirely, to create a custom fragrance with a unique scent.
Chypre
A descriptive term for fragrances that start off with notes of citrus and evolve into a woody scent. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Clone
A fragrance house’s attempt to recreate the scent of another fragrance. See impression.
Cloying
When a fragrance is so sweet, rich, or thick that it becomes suffocating and intolerable.
Cologne
Synonymous with fragrance, but reserved for ones marketed to men.
Decant
When a fragrance is transferred from one container to another, usually one that’s smaller. Often done to create samples or for travel.
Dry-Down
The main body of a fragrance once it has dried on the skin. Learn more about how fragrances evolve as they evaporate.
Flacon
A large container, usually a glass bottle, with a stopper cap. Often used for long-term storage of a fragrance to be transferred into a separate container before application. See decant.
Flanker
A new fragrance that shares elements with an existing fragrance from the same house, even going as far as having a similar name and packaging.
Floral
A descriptive term for fragrances that have notes and accords reminiscent of common flowers, plants, and powder. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Fougere
A descriptive term for fragrances that have a strong presence of lavender, oakmoss, and tonka bean. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Frag
Slang for fragrance.
Fraghead
A fragrance enthusiast.
Fresh
A descriptive term for fragrances that have notes and accords reminiscent of citrus, fruit, grass, and the ocean. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Gourmand
A descriptive term for fragrances that have notes and accords reminiscent of sweet foods and desserts. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Impression
A fragrance house’s attempt to recreate the scent of another fragrance. See clone.
Layer
Applying two or more separate fragrances to create a new, more complex scent to wear.
Longevity
How long a fragrance continues to produce its scent after application.
Nose
The fragrance industry’s term for someone who creates new fragrances.
Note
A particular scent produced by a single aromachemical. Contrast with accord. Learn more about fragrance notes and accords.
Oriental
A descriptive term for fragrances that have notes and accords reminiscent of exotic spices, exotic flowers, and musk. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
Perfume
Synonymous with fragrance, but reserved for ones marketed to women.
Projection
How far a fragrance’s scent diffuses into the air on its own. Contrast with sillage.
Sillage
How long a fragrance’s scent lingers in the air. Contrast with projection.
Woody
A descriptive term for fragrances that have notes and accords reminiscent of trees and resin. Learn more about fragrance scent families.
