Smell Meaning and Definition
Smell
Pronunciation
/smɛl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sensation perceived through the sense organ of smell, typically associated with volatile organic compounds that bind to olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity, resulting in a subjective experience of odors or fragrances.
Examples
- The freshly baked cookies filled the room with a sweet smell.
- The smell of freshly cut grass is a sign of summer.
Synonyms
- Odor
- Aroma
Antonyms
- Odorlessness
- Neutrality
Etymology
The word ‘smell’ comes from Old English ‘smelan’, meaning ‘to stink or smell’, derived from Proto-Germanic ‘*smelan’, related to Proto-Indo-European ‘*smel’, meaning ‘to send out a smell’.
Usage Notes
The word ‘smell’ can be used as a noun or a verb. It often refers to the sensation of odors, but can also describe the act of detecting or recognizing a smell.
Additional Information
Smells are a vital part of our daily experiences, influencing our emotions, memories, and behaviors. They can evoke powerful emotions, trigger memories, and even affect our appetite and digestion._smell
Smells can also be deceiving, as our brains can play tricks on us, making us perceive smells that aren’t actually present or masking smells that are.
Cultural References
- In literature, smells play a significant role in creating atmosphere and evoking emotions, as seen in books like ‘Madame Bovary’ and ‘The Great Gatsby.’
- In film, smells are often used to convey atmosphere and tell the story, as seen in movies like ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘The Godfather.’
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘A smell of coffee’
- ‘A faint smell of smoke’
Related Words or Phrases
- Odorant
- Olfactory
- Breath
Collocations
- ‘a good smell’
- ‘a bad smell’
- ‘a sweet smell’
Frequency of Use
The word ‘smell’ is a commonly used word in everyday language, appearing in everyday conversations and written texts.
Common Misspellings
- Semell
- Smil