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Malodorous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malodorous

[ˌmælˈɑːdərəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a smell

Having a strong and unpleasant odor; foul-smelling.

Synonyms

foul-smelling, pungent, rank, stinky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malodorous

Identical to the first entry for 'malodorous'.

  • Refer to the first entry
foul-smelling

Used in informal conversation or writing to emphasize a very bad smell.

  • He gagged at the foul-smelling garbage
  • The foul-smelling water indicated a plumbing issue
stinky

Casual and informal, often used by children or in a light-hearted manner to describe something that smells bad.

  • The stinky socks were left in a corner
  • The trash has become really stinky, it needs to be taken out
rank

Typically used in informal settings to describe a strong, offensive smell, often with a negative connotation.

  • The rank odor coming from the dumpster was unbearable
  • After days without a bath, his clothes were rank and dirty
pungent

Describes strong, sharp smells that can be either pleasant or unpleasant, often used in culinary contexts as well.

  • The pungent aroma of garlic filled the kitchen
  • The pungent smell of vinegar made her wrinkle her nose

Examples of usage

  • The malodorous garbage filled the room with a putrid stench.
  • The malodorous sewer made it difficult to breathe in the area.
  • The malodorous smoke from the factory polluted the air.
  • The malodorous fish left a lingering smell in the kitchen.
  • The malodorous socks needed to be washed immediately.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Chemistry

  • Certain compounds, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can create malodorous effects in the air.
  • Sulfur compounds, like hydrogen sulfide, often produce extremely foul smells and are considered malodorous.

Environmental Science

  • Decaying organic matter in landfills and sewage plants can release malodorous gases, affecting nearby communities.
  • Certain algae blooms, known as 'red tides,' can produce smells that are described as malodorous due to the release of toxins.

Literature

  • In literature, bad smells are often used as symbols of decay or corruption, reflecting social and moral decline.
  • Classic authors like Charles Dickens used descriptions of malodorous settings to evoke a sense of discomfort or unease.

Healthcare

  • In medicine, a malodorous condition can signal infections or diseases, as certain bacteria produce foul-smelling byproducts.
  • Health professionals often evaluate body odors as potential indicators of specific medical conditions.

Origin of 'malodorous'

Main points about word origin

  • Rooted in the Latin word 'malodorus,' meaning 'bad smelling,' where 'mal-' indicates bad and 'odor' means smell.
  • The word has been used in English since the 16th century to describe foul scents.

The word 'malodorous' comes from the Latin word 'malodorus', which is a combination of 'malus' (bad) and 'odor' (smell). The term has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe things with a foul smell. Over time, it has become a popular adjective to convey strong and unpleasant odors.

See also: odor, odorous.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,513 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.