'aromatous' originates from English formation based on the noun 'aroma', which ultimately comes from Greek 'arōma' where 'arōma' meant 'spice' or 'sweet smell'.

'arōma' (Greek) passed into Latin as 'aroma' and then into English as 'aroma'; the adjective 'aromatous' was later formed in English (formed from 'aroma' + '-ous', attested from the 18th–19th century).

Initially, it meant 'having or relating to an aroma (a fragrant smell)', and over time it has retained that basic meaning as 'having a noticeable, usually pleasant smell'.