What does geraniol mean?
Geraniol is a naturally occurring monoterpenoid alcohol, an organic compound also known by the systematic name 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol. It is found in many plants and is especially associated with rose oil and geraniums. Its characteristic rose-like aroma makes it valuable in perfumery, cosmetics, soaps, and flavoring, where it helps create floral fragrances. Geraniol also occurs in certain insect-repellent formulations, including products whose ingredients derive from plants such as citronella. Although its name may suggest an exclusively floral substance, geraniol is a defined chemical compound whose presence can be detected and measured in natural materials. In general writing, the word occurs mainly in scientific, commercial, and product-related contexts rather than in everyday conversation. It should not be used as a general synonym for rose oil or rose fragrance, because those products contain many additional compounds and may contain little or no geraniol.
nounA monoterpenoid alcohol (C10H18O) occurring naturally in many plants, especially roses and geraniums, and used in perfumes, flavorings, and insect-repellent formulations.
- A naturally occurring monoterpenoid alcohol with a rose-like aroma, found in various plants and used in perfumes, flavorings, and insect-repellent formulations.
"The laboratory found a high concentration of geraniol in the rose oil."
"The perfumer blended geraniol with citrus and woody notes."
"Researchers measured the geraniol content of several essential oils."
The plural is uncommon; geraniol is normally used as an uncountable mass noun.
"The researchers compared the odor profiles of several geraniols from different sources."
Geraniol gives many “rose” scents their character even when no roses are involved.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does geraniol come from?
The name was formed in English from the root of “geranium” plus the chemical suffix “-ol,” which denotes an alcohol. Geranium came through Latin from Greek geranium, which derives from Greek geranos, meaning “crane.” That Greek root is also the source of the English word crane and is related to cranium, illustrating the older association between a crane-like bird and the head or skull.
Related word forms
How geraniol is actually used
Geraniol is primarily a technical term used in chemistry, botany, perfumery, flavoring, and related product labeling. It is normally treated as a mass noun, although a plural is occasionally used when referring to distinct samples or formulations.
Easily confused with geraniol
Geraniol is a monoterpenoid alcohol associated particularly with rose oil, whereas citronellol is a different, closely related alcohol best known as a major constituent of citronella oil.