Frangipani
/ˌfræn.dʒɪˈpɑː.ni/noun
A tropical plant known for its fragrant flowers, often used in perfumes and ornamental gardens.
Did you know?The name 'frangipani' comes from an Italian nobleman who created a sweet-smelling glove perfume, originally used to mask the scent of death from executed criminals.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
Italian
frangipani
“Named after nobleman Frangipani, who invented a scented glove perfume.”
17th Century
French
frangipane
“Referring to the sweet-scented almond paste used in pastries, derived from the same nobleman.”
18th Century
Latin
frangere
“To break or shatter, hinting at the fragility of the flowers.”
Modern English
English
frangipani
“Adopted into English as the name for the flowering tree, emphasizing its exotic and fragrant qualities.”
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