Sense of smell Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sense of smell
[sɛns ʌv smɛl ]
Definitions
in the human body
The sense of smell, also known as olfaction, is the ability to detect and perceive odors through the nose. It plays a crucial role in our daily lives, helping us to enjoy the aroma of food, detect danger, and even evoke memories through scents.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sense of smell |
Used in general conversation, can be used interchangeably with 'sense of smell' in most instances.
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| olfaction |
Primarily used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the physiological process of detecting and interpreting smells.
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| scent |
Used to describe a particular odor, often pleasing and associated with perfumes, flowers, or nature.
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Examples of usage
- The sense of smell allows us to distinguish between different fragrances.
- She has a keen sense of smell and can detect even the faintest odors.
in animals
In animals, the sense of smell is essential for survival, helping them to find food, detect predators, and communicate with others of their species. Many animals have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, allowing them to navigate their environment through scent trails.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sense of smell |
This term is commonly used in everyday conversation and general contexts to refer to the ability to detect and identify odors.
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| olfaction |
This term is primarily used in scientific or medical contexts when discussing the biological and physiological aspects of smelling.
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| scent |
This word is often used to refer to specific smells, particularly pleasant or distinctive ones, and is commonly found in contexts involving perfumes, nature, and animals.
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Examples of usage
- Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to track scents and locate objects.
- The sense of smell in some animals is thousands of times more sensitive than in humans.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Humans can detect about 1 trillion different scents, showcasing the complexity of our olfactory senses.
- The olfactory bulb in the brain is responsible for processing smells and is one of the most primitive parts of our brain.
- Scent molecules in the air bind to receptors in the nose, sending signals to the brain to identify the smell.
Psychology
- The sense of smell is closely linked to memory; specific scents can trigger strong memories and emotions, a phenomenon known as the Proust effect.
- Certain odors can influence moods and behaviors, such as lavender promoting relaxation or peppermint enhancing alertness.
Art and Culture
- Throughout history, many cultures have used fragrances in rituals, from incense in religious ceremonies to perfumes in daily life.
- In literature, scent is often used as a powerful tool to evoke feelings or settings, like the smell of rain or blooming flowers conveying peace and renewal.
Health
- A diminished sense of smell, known as hyposmia, can be an early sign of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
- Some illnesses, such as COVID-19, can temporarily affect the sense of smell, leading to loss of taste and appetite.
Origin of 'sense of smell'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'smell' comes from the Old English 'smellan,' which means 'to perceive by the olfactory organ.'
- The term 'olfactory' derives from the Latin 'olfacere,' meaning 'to smell' or 'to catch a whiff.'
The sense of smell, or olfaction, is one of the oldest and most primitive senses in living organisms. It has evolved over millions of years to help organisms detect food, avoid danger, and communicate with others. The ability to smell has played a crucial role in the survival of species throughout history, shaping behaviors and interactions in the natural world.