Orrisroot, << AWR ihs `root,` >> is the dried, sweet-smelling rhizome (underground stem) of certain irises. It yields a waxy material containing a fragrant oil used to give perfumes a scent like that of violets. The oil is obtained by dissolving the waxy material in a fat or other organic substance. That substance is then removed, leaving the oil. Because of its high price, the oil has largely been replaced by synthetic substitutes. But small amounts are still used in some expensive perfumes. Orrisroot comes from irises cultivated in Italy, France, India, and Morocco. See also Iris .
