scent mark

¹ American  

noun

Animal Behavior.

1. a distinctive odor that an animal deposits on the ground or other surface, as by urinating, which functions as an identifying signal to other animals of the species.

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scent-mark ² American  

[sent-mahrk] / ˈsɛntˌmɑrk /

verb (used without object)

1. to deposit a scent mark; mark.

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verb (used with object)

1. to deposit a scent mark on; mark.

Etymology

Origin of scent-mark

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Guess what, people don't get to scent mark others for life.

From Slate • Oct. 29, 2013

Animal welfare organizations concur, neutered pets are less likely to escape and roam the neighborhood, get hit by a car, or scent mark the furniture.

From Slate • Oct. 10, 2011