Definition

Adjective: - Having no odor; lacking any smell: Describes something that does not produce or possess a detectable scent, whether pleasant or unpleasant. It is synonymous with "odorless."

Usage

The word "inodorous" is a formal, technical, or literary adjective used to describe substances, objects, or environments that are completely devoid of smell. It is less common in everyday speech than its synonym "odorless."

Examples

• The laboratory required the use of inodorous cleaning agents to avoid interfering with the experiments.
• Pure nitrogen is an inodorous gas.
• She preferred inodorous candles so the scent wouldn't clash with the flowers.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Context: Frequently used in scientific papers, material safety data sheets (MSDS), or product descriptions to specify the absence of smell as a property.
  • The new polymer compound is inodorous and non-toxic.
• Literary Description: Can be used for stylistic effect to describe a place or atmosphere as eerily lacking scent.
  • The inodorous void of the ancient tomb felt unnatural.

Variants and Related Words

• Odorless (adj.): The most common synonym for "inodorous," used in both general and technical contexts.
• Scentless (adj.): Often used interchangeably with "odorless," though it can sometimes specifically imply the absence of a fragrance (e.g., scentless flowers).
• Unscented (adj.): Typically used for manufactured products (like soaps or candles) that have had fragrance deliberately omitted.

Synonyms

• Odorless
• Scentless
• Unscented
• Fragrance-free (context-specific)

Antonyms

• Odorous
• Fragrant
• Scented
• Smelly
• Pungent
• Malodorous

Adjective

1. having no odor
   • odorless gas
   • odorless flowers