odor

[ oh-der ]

noun

1. the property of a substance that activates the sense of smell:

   to have an unpleasant odor.

2. a sensation perceived by the sense of smell; scent.
3. an agreeable scent; fragrance.

   Synonyms: redolence, perfume, aroma

4. a disagreeable smell.
5. a quality or property characteristic or suggestive of something:

   An odor of suspicion surrounded his testimony.

6. repute:

   in bad odor with the whole community.

7. Archaic. something that has a pleasant scent.

odor

/ ˈəʊdə /

noun

1. the US spelling of odour

Derived Forms

• ˈodorless, adjective

Other Words From

• odor·ful adjective
• odor·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of odor¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin

Synonym Study

Odor, smell, scent, stench all refer to sensations perceived through the nose by the olfactory nerves. Odor and smell in literal contexts are often interchangeable. Figuratively, odor also usually occurs in positive contexts: the odor of sanctity. Smell is the most general and neutral of these two terms, deriving connotation generally from the context in which it is used: the tempting smell of fresh-baked bread; the rank smell of rotting vegetation. In figurative contexts smell may be either positive or negative: the sweet smell of success; a strong smell of duplicity pervading the affair. Scent refers either to delicate and pleasing aromas or to faint, barely perceptible smells: the scent of lilacs on the soft spring breeze; deer alarmed by the scent of man. Stench is strongly negative, referring both literally and figuratively to what is foul, sickening, or repulsive: the stench of rotting flesh; steeped in the stench of iniquity and treason.

Example Sentences

In recent years, complaints of acrid odors, fiery accidents, soot and harmful emissions have gained new resonance as public officials become more sensitive to accusations of environmental damage.

From Los Angeles Times

A great base layer in winter, it is available in several colors, and bonus — it’s odor resistant.

From Los Angeles Times

While the refinery is a sizable employer, with about 600 employees and 300 contractors operating the site, there have been complaints in recent years of acrid odors, soot and harmful emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

A pungent, fishy rancid odor has been wafting through the coastal air in Los Angeles this week, an unfortunate consequence of beautiful bioluminescent algae that has graced local beaches for a fortnight.

From Los Angeles Times

Employee at the Inmate Reception Center were sent to the hospital for evaluation after a mysterious odor prompted an evacuation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aroma
• flavor
• perfume
• smell
• stench
• stink
• whiff