odourless

/'oudəlis/

Definition

Adjective:
- Having no smell; lacking any detectable odor: Describes a substance, object, or entity that emits no scent or aroma, whether pleasant or unpleasant. It is the state of being completely without smell.

Usage

The adjective "odourless" is used to describe things that have no smell. It is a neutral term and can apply to gases, liquids, solids, or environments.
It is typically placed before a noun (attributive use) or after a linking verb like "is" or "seems" (predicative use).
Spelling Note: "Odourless" is the standard spelling in British English. The American English spelling is "odorless."

Examples

Attributive (before a noun):
- The laboratory uses an odourless solvent for the experiment.
- Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odourless gas.
Predicative (after a linking verb):
- The purified water was completely odourless.
- These cleaning products are advertised as being odourless.

Advanced Usage

Scientific and Technical Contexts: Frequently used in chemistry, manufacturing, and product descriptions to indicate the absence of smell as a feature or a safety characteristic.
- The new insulation material is not only efficient but also odourless.
Figurative Use (Rare): Can be used metaphorically to describe something as bland, unremarkable, or lacking distinctive character.
- His writing style is competent but somewhat odourless, lacking a unique voice.

Variants and Related Words

Synonyms

Scentless: Having no scent.
Unscented: Not having a scent added; often used for products like candles or lotions.
Inodorous: (Formal) Lacking odor.

Antonyms

Related Phrases and Compounds

Odourless and tasteless: A common phrase used together, especially regarding potentially dangerous substances like certain gases or poisons.
- Radon is an odourless and tasteless radioactive gas.

Adjective

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