Ambrette
/ˌæmˈbrɛt/noun
A tropical hibiscus plant, Hibiscus abelmoschus, whose musky-scented seeds are used in perfumes and flavorings.
Did you know?Ambrette seeds became a plant-based substitute for animal musk, a substance historically prized in perfumery and sometimes associated with sensuality, medicine, and ritual fragrance.
Etymological Timeline
Early Medieval Period
Arabic
ʿanbar
“Ambergris, the fragrant waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales”
Medieval Latin
Latin
ambar
“Ambergris or amber-like aromatic material, borrowed through Arabic”
12th–13th Century
Old French
ambre
“Amber; a fragrant yellow substance, including ambergris in some contexts”
16th Century
French
ambrette
“A diminutive of ambre, literally “little amber””
17th Century
English
ambrette
“The musk-scented hibiscus plant or its aromatic seeds”
Modern English
English
ambrette
“A plant and fragrance ingredient valued for its musky aroma”