Cypre
/ˈsiːprə/noun
A perfume or fragrance style traditionally associated with oakmoss, labdanum, citrus, and woody notes.
Did you know?The perfume term is related to Cyprus through French chypre, while copper itself was named in Latin as aes cyprium—“metal from Cyprus.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Kypros (Κύπρος)
“Cyprus, the Mediterranean island”
Classical Latin
Latin
Cyprus
“Cyprus; the island associated with valuable goods including copper”
Roman Latin
Latin
aes cyprium
““Metal of Cyprus,” later shortened to cuprum”
17th Century
French
chypre
“A perfume associated by name with Cyprus”
20th Century
French
Chypre
“A structured perfume style prominently featuring oakmoss and labdanum”
Modern English
English
cypre
“A rare English spelling for a chypre-style perfume”