Odour: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ธ
odour
[หoส.dษ ]
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "odour" in other languages:
๐ต๐น odor
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคง
๐ฉ๐ช Geruch
๐ฎ๐ฉ bau
๐บ๐ฆ ะทะฐะฟะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ zapach
๐ฏ๐ต ๅใ
๐ซ๐ท odeur
๐ช๐ธ olor
๐น๐ท koku
๐ฐ๐ท ๋์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฑุงุฆุญุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ zรกpach
๐ธ๐ฐ zรกpach
๐จ๐ณ ๆฐๅณ
๐ธ๐ฎ vonj
๐ฎ๐ธ lykt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะธััััาฃ
๐ฌ๐ช แกแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qox
๐ฒ๐ฝ olor