Definition

1. Noun:
   • A smell, especially one that is unpleasant: "odor" refers to a distinctive smell, often with a negative connotation.
   • A perceived quality or atmosphere: "odor" can also describe a figurative quality or reputation associated with a person or thing.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • A strange odor was coming from the basement.
  • The odor of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen.
  • The scandal left the politician with an odor of corruption.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in bad odor (with someone)": to be in disfavor or regarded with disapproval by someone.
  • He found himself in bad odor with the management after the failed project.
• "odor of sanctity": a reputation for extreme holiness (often used ironically).
  • The old monk was said to have died in an odor of sanctity.

Variants and Related Words

• Odorless (adj): having no smell.
  • Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas.
• Odorous (adj): having a smell, especially a strong one.
  • The chemical was highly odorous.
• Deodorant (n): a substance applied to the body to prevent or mask body odor.
  • She applied deodorant after her shower.

Synonyms

• Smell: the most general term for something perceived by the nose.
• Scent: often a pleasant smell, or the trail left by an animal.
• Stench: a strong, very unpleasant smell.
• Aroma: a pleasant, often spicy or food-related smell.
• Fragrance: a sweet or pleasant smell.

Related Phrases

• Body odor: the unpleasant smell of a person's sweat.
  • He used a strong soap to combat body odor.
• Odor control: the management or elimination of smells.
  • The waste facility invested in new odor control technology.

Related Idioms

• To smell to high heaven / To have an odor about it: to seem very suspicious or corrupt.
  • The whole business deal smells to high heaven.

Noun

1. the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
   • she loved the smell of roses
2. any property detected by the olfactory system