azubda, n.
Pronunciation: ə - z - oo - b - d - ə
Forms: Also asoobda, alasobda, alsubda, alzoobde.
Etymology: Ultimately < Arabic الزبدة (al-zubda) butter, fat, quintessence.
1.
a. In early physiology, a component of suet or animal fat which acted upon the natural excretions of an animal body in order to increase or decrease the pleasurability of the odors produced thereby.
1716 A. TREEMERSON Fumivorist (ed. 2) 289 Moreover, albeit that such driving Atomies, obsiting the Body, and proceeding by way of the Lungs, are rumored to impregnate the alasobda, and may diffuse throughout the otherwise euodic Staxis which, flowing regularly therefrom, [etc.].
b. A hypothesized organ responsible for the production of individual odor.
2. fig. A sudden and unexplainable variation, esp. an increase, in a person's natural charm, personal appeal, or sexual attractiveness.
1771 Y. D'BOURRELETTE Misocaly §55. iii. 9 No alsubda confounds the sagacious faculties of the uncommon adecastic readily able to distinguish..the relevant properties.
1815 A. KREMMISTER Plinks and Sulphet xiix. 14 An enchanting if exacting philoxenist..who comprehended the singular azubda of the cangeant gipsy.
