First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
odor
noun \ˈō-dər\
: a particular smell
Full Definition of ODOR
1
2
a : a characteristic or predominant quality : flavor <the odor of sanctity> b : repute, estimation <in bad odor>
3
archaic : something that emits a sweet or pleasing scent : perfume
— odored \ˈō-dərd\ adjective
— odor·less \-dər-ləs\ adjective
See odor defined for English-language learners
See odor defined for kids
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Origin of ODOR
Middle English odour, from Anglo-French odur, from Latin odor; akin to Latin olēre to smell, Greek ozein to smell, osmē smell, odor
Related to ODOR
Synonym Discussion of ODOR
smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense. smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character <an odd smell permeated the room>. scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant <the scent of lilacs>. odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell <a cheese with a strong odor>. aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor <the aroma of freshly ground coffee>.
ODOR Defined for Kids
odor
noun \ˈō-dər\
Definition of ODOR for Kids
: a particular smell <The odor of flowers filled my room.> <… the air was … thick with the smell of body odor. — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising>
— odor·less \ˈō-dər-ləs\ adjective
Medical Dictionary
odor
noun
Medical Definition of ODOR
1
: a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ : smell
2
: a sensation resulting from adequate chemical stimulation of the olfactory organ <a disagreeable odor>
—odored or chiefly British odoured adjective
—odor·less or chiefly British odour·less adjective
Variants of ODOR
odor or chiefly British odour \ˈōd-ər\
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