potpourri
|pot/pour/ri|
🇺🇸
/ˌpoʊpʊˈriː/
🇬🇧
/ˌpəʊpʊˈriː/
mixture
Etymology
'potpourri' originates from French, specifically the word 'pot pourri', where 'pot' meant 'pot' and 'pourri' meant 'rotten'.
'pot pourri' transformed into the English word 'potpourri' and retained its meaning of a mixture or medley.
Initially, it meant 'a pot of rotten things', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a mixture of dried petals and spices' or 'a medley'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a mixture of dried petals and spices placed in a bowl to perfume a room.
She placed a bowl of potpourri on the table to freshen the air.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a collection of various items or a medley.
The album is a potpourri of different musical styles.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45