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Noisome: meaning, definitions and examples

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noisome

 

[ ˈnɔɪsəm ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

disgusting smell

The word 'noisome' describes something that is offensive or harmful to the senses, particularly due to an unpleasant smell. It can also refer to things that are ethically or morally repulsive. Noisome things can cause nausea or an aversion due to their foulness. While it is commonly associated with odors, it can also describe situations or conditions that are generally offensive or harmful. This term highlights the impact of smell on human perception and experience.

Synonyms

disgusting, foul, noxious, offensive, rancid

Examples of usage

  • The noisome odor from the garbage was unbearable.
  • They avoided the noisome area of the city that was known for its pollution.
  • The noisome fumes from the factory raised concerns among the residents.

Translations

Translations of the word "noisome" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nocivo

🇮🇳 दूषित

🇩🇪 schädlich

🇮🇩 berbahaya

🇺🇦 шкідливий

🇵🇱 szkodliwy

🇯🇵 有害な

🇫🇷 nuisible

🇪🇸 nocivo

🇹🇷 zararlı

🇰🇷 유해한

🇸🇦 ضار

🇨🇿 škodlivý

🇸🇰 škodlivý

🇨🇳 有害的

🇸🇮 škodljiv

🇮🇸 skaðlegur

🇰🇿 зиянды

🇬🇪 ავნებელი

🇦🇿 zərərli

🇲🇽 nocivo

Etymology

The term 'noisome' originates from Middle English 'noisom', which itself derives from the Old French 'noisom', meaning 'harmful' or 'noxious'. Those terms are rooted in the Latin 'noxius', which translates to 'harmful' or 'injurious'. The word has often been associated with unpleasant smells, contributing to its common usage in English literature since the 15th century to denote things that provoke a strong adverse reaction. Over time, its usage has broadened slightly but still retains the core meaning of being offensive or harmful. It is worth noting that despite its negative connotation, 'noisome' may sometimes refer to a more general discomfort rather than exclusively to odors. The evolution of 'noisome' points to the interplay between language, culture, and perceptions of health and morality.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,833, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.