patch·ou·li noun orpatch·ou·lyalsopach·ou·li\ˈpachəlē, pəˈchülē\ (pluralpatchoulisorpatchoulies) Etymology: Tamil paccuḷi woolly patchouli 1.: an East Indian shrubby mint (Pogostemon cablin) that yields a fragrant essential oil 2.: the perfume made from patchouli < a pleasant perfume of summer flowers rather than a heavy odor of patchouli — Weekly Scotsman >