Smellless: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word is a combination of 'smell' and the suffix '-less', which means 'without'.
• Its first known use dates back to the late 19th century, reflecting an increasing interest in cleanliness and hygiene.
• The suffix '-less' is commonly used in English to define the absence of something, appearing in words like 'fearless' and 'endless'.

Science

• Smell detection is linked to the olfactory system, which can be suppressed in certain environments or conditions.
• Certain gases, such as carbon monoxide, are odorless and can be dangerous because they are smellless.
• In the animal kingdom, some species have evolved to be smellless, not giving off scents to avoid predators.

Psychology

• 'Smellless' environments can affect mood and memory; scents often trigger emotional responses.
• Studies show that people can feel unsettled in entirely smellless rooms, as they rely on olfactory cues to perceive their surroundings.
• The absence of smell can be linked to certain psychological conditions, affecting a person's experiences and interactions.

Cultural References

• In literature, settings with strong scents evoke imagery, while a smellless environment can suggest sterility or alienation.
• Many modern cleaning products market themselves as 'smellless' to appeal to those sensitive to scents, particularly in households with allergies.
• The concept of smellless environments often appears in dystopian stories, where natural senses are diminished or controlled.