Odour Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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odour
[ˈoʊ.dɚ ]
Definition
pleasant/ unpleasant
Odour refers to a distinctive smell, often one that is strong or unpleasant. It can be used to describe scents that may evoke reactions, both positive and negative. Different people can have varying sensitivities to odours, leading to subjective experiences of smell. Some odours can be associated with certain environments or materials, and they play an important role in the perception of taste as well. Understanding odour can also be crucial in various fields such as cooking, perfume making, and environmental science.
Synonyms
aroma, fragrance, perfume, scent, smell.
Examples of usage
- The odour of freshly baked bread filled the air.
- She was offended by the strong odour of cigarette smoke.
- The flowers released a sweet odour into the room.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Odours are airborne molecules that interact with the receptors in our noses, allowing us to detect different smells.
- The human nose can distinguish up to 1 trillion different scents, showcasing our remarkable olfactory abilities.
- Certain smells can trigger vivid memories, as the brain's smell center is closely linked to areas that process emotions.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, specific odours are associated with rituals or traditions, such as incense in religious ceremonies.
- Perfume making, an ancient craft, emphasizes the importance of odour in personal identity and expression.
- In some societies, the concept of 'smell' plays a pivotal role in how individuals perceive their environment and each other.
Psychology
- Studies show that aromas like lavender or vanilla can help reduce stress and create a calming environment.
- People can develop strong preferences or aversions to certain scents due to personal experiences, impacting behavior.
- Odour can influence taste perception, significantly altering how we enjoy our food.
Pop Culture
- The title character in the novel 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' highlights how odour can shape someone's identity and fate.
- Scent marketing is widely used by brands to create a desirable shopping experience through specific smells.
- Various movies and shows have humorously depicted characters with unique odours, adding a comedic touch to their personalities.
Origin of 'odour'
Main points about word origin
- The word derives from the Latin 'odor', which means 'scent' or 'smell'.
- In Old French, 'odor' evolved into the Middle English 'odour' around the 14th century.
- The spelling variations between 'odour' and 'odor' reflect British and American English differences.
The word 'odour' originates from the Latin word 'odor', which means 'smell'. The transition from Latin to English happened around the late Middle Ages, as the influence of Norman French filtered through to English following the Norman Conquest of 1066. In Old French, the word 'odeur' referred to a sensory experience associated with detecting scents. The spelling and pronunciation evolved as the word integrated into the English language. Unlike its modern usage, which can denote both pleasant and unpleasant smells, the historical usage of 'odor' was often more neutral. Over time, 'odour' took on a more specific connotation, especially in British English, where it can imply an unpleasant or distinctive smell, while 'odor' in American English has become more generalized. The nuances in meaning and usage reflect cultural attitudes toward smell and perception.