potpourri
Definitions
A scented mixture of dried flower petals and spices.
（散香用的）混合干花香料
A miscellaneous collection of different things.
大杂烩，集锦
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedBorrowed whole from French pot pourri = 'rotten pot.' Originally a stew of mixed leftover meats left to ferment; the unappetising image faded, leaving the idea of a mixed jarful of dried flowers, then any mixture.
Root pot still carries 7 more wordsWhy It Means This
Its surprise is the literal meaning: French pot pourri = 'rotten pot,' a stewing mix of leftover meats. The smell-and-storage angle is why it later named a jar of dried fragrant petals, and from a 'mix of many things' it generalised to any miscellaneous collection.
Usage Guide
Pronunciation trap: say it the French way — roughly 'poh-poo-REE' (/ˌpəʊpʊˈriː/). The first t is silent and the stress falls on the last syllable; do not read it as 'pot-poo-ree.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
A bowl of potpourri filled the room with a faint floral scent.
- 2.
The album is a potpourri of jazz, folk, and electronic music.