noun pl. frangipani -·pan′i or frangipanis -·pan′is

1. any of a genus (Plumeria) of tropical American shrubs and trees of the dogbane family, with large, funnel-shaped flowers and milky sap; specif., a small tree (P. rubra) with fragrant, reddish flowers that are used, in Hawaii, to make leis
2. a perfume obtained from, or scented like, such flowers
3. a custard dessert or a custard filling for cakes and tarts, usually flavored with ground almonds

Etymology: It, after Marquis Frangipani (16th-c. It nobleman), said to have invented the perfume