'aroma' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἄρωμα (arōma)', where the root meant 'sweet spice' or 'pleasant smell'.

'aroma' entered English via Latin or New Latin (and through French influence in some uses) from Greek 'ἄρωμα', and was adopted into English in the 17th century as 'aroma' and later used in plural form 'aromas'.

Initially it meant 'a sweet-smelling spice or plant', but over time it broadened to mean any 'pleasant or distinctive smell' and extended figuratively to mean a 'faint atmosphere or suggestion' of something.