n. an agent or substance that is thought to stimulate sexual desire or sexual activity in humans or animals. Agents popularly considered to be aphrodisiacs include odors (e.g., perfumes), foods (e.g., raw oysters and chestnuts), and certain types of drugs. Alcohol, various alkaloids (e.g., yohimbine), cantharidin from the Spanish fly, vitamin E, and amyl nitrite have been cited as aphrodisiacs, although research evidence is lacking. In some cases, research shows such agents not to have any sexual effects whatsoever.