Accord
An accord is a blend of materials that creates a scent effect. Learn how accords differ from notes and fragrance families, with clear examples from perfumery.
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An accord is a combination of aromatic materials that creates a recognizable overall scent effect. A perfumer might build an accord suggesting leather, a flower or warm amber, then use it as part of a larger fragrance.
The term describes how materials work together. It does not require the resulting smell to exist in nature, and it does not mean every component becomes impossible to recognize. A rose accord can suggest rose while still revealing green or spicy details.
When reading perfume descriptions, use accord as a clue to the combined impression. A note describes a recognizable smell, while a family groups fragrances by broad character; neither word discloses the full formula.
- Note
- A recognizable scent impression, such as rose or lemon. It can arise from one material or several; it is not necessarily an ingredient.
- Accord
- A blend of materials composed to create an overall effect. Different formulas can create related accords.
- Fragrance family
- A broad grouping by scent character or style, such as floral, woody or chypre. An accord may contribute to that character without defining the entire fragrance.