Olfactory sense Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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olfactory sense

[ˈɒlfəkt(ə)ri sɛns ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

human anatomy

The olfactory sense is the sense of smell. It is one of the five traditional senses and is responsible for detecting odors in the environment.

Synonyms

odor, scent, smell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
olfactory sense	Use this term in scientific or medical contexts when referring to the overall sense of smell. It is a more formal and technical term. The olfactory sense plays a crucial role in how humans experience the world around them. Researchers are studying the olfactory sense to understand how it affects taste.
smell	Smell is the most general term and can be used in a wide variety of contexts, both positive and negative. It is suitable for everyday use. The smell of freshly baked bread is irresistible. There's a strange smell in the kitchen.
scent	Scent is usually used to describe a pleasant or neutral smell. It is often used in the context of perfumes, flowers, or food. The scent of roses filled the garden. She chose a perfume with a light, floral scent.
odor	Odor is commonly used when referring to a smell that is generally unpleasant or strong. It can carry a negative connotation. There was a foul odor coming from the garbage can. The odor of the chemicals was overwhelming.

Examples of usage

The olfactory sense is closely linked to memory and emotions.
Loss of the olfactory sense can affect one's quality of life.
Animals often rely on their olfactory sense to navigate their surroundings.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

Humans have about 5 million olfactory receptors, while dogs have around 300 million, making their sense of smell much stronger.
The olfactory bulb in the brain processes smells and plays a key role in memory and emotional responses.
Olfactory receptors can detect thousands of different scents, allowing for complex perception of flavors and smells.

Psychology

Smells are closely linked to memories; a particular scent can evoke vivid recollections of past experiences.
Certain smells can trigger emotional responses, influencing mood and feelings of comfort or discomfort.
Research indicates that olfactory sense can affect decision-making and even social interactions.

Culture

Different cultures associate various scents with particular meanings, such as lavender for calmness or jasmine for love.
Perfume-making is an art form in many cultures, blending scents to create unique and expressive fragrances.
Baking bread or brewing coffee produces familiar, comforting scents that can enhance community experiences.

Technology

Recent advances in technology include artificial noses used in food quality control and safety inspections.
Olfactory virtual reality is being developed to enhance immersive experiences by integrating smells into digital environments.
Research in olfactory science has led to innovations in fragrance marketing, creating tailored scents to influence consumer behavior.

Origin of 'olfactory sense'

Main points about word origin

The word 'olfactory' comes from the Latin 'olfacere', meaning 'to smell'.
The term was first used in the early 17th century, showing its long-standing importance in science.
The root 'olfact' relates to sensing, highlighting the sense's foundational role in human experience.

The word 'olfactory' comes from the Latin word 'olfactus', which means 'to smell'. The olfactory sense has evolved as a way for humans and animals to detect chemicals in the environment. It plays a crucial role in survival, helping organisms identify food, predators, and mates. The olfactory system is complex and involves specialized cells in the nose that can detect a wide range of odors.