olfactory
ol-FAK-tuh-ree
/ɒlˈfæk.tər.i/
Relating to the sense of smell.
This is the technical term for anything involving the nose and the detection of scents.
The story behind the word. A combination of 'olere' (to emit a smell) and 'facere' (to make or do). It literally means 'to make a smell' or 'to perceive a smell'.
Commonly confused with
- gustatory: Olfactory relates to smell; gustatory relates to taste.
Word family
- olfaction (noun): The action or capacity of smelling.
Collocations
- olfactory nerve
- olfactory system
- olfactory fatigue
- olfactory bulb
Example sentences
- "The olfactory nerves transmit signals from the nose directly to the brain's emotional center." Describing biological processes.
- "The wine offered an intense olfactory experience, with notes of leather and dark cherry." Describing the complexity of wine.
Memory hook
Think of an 'Old Factory'—they usually have a very strong smell. Olfactory = Old Factory = Smelly.
When not to use
Too formal for casual conversation about 'smelling' things.
Fun facts
- The olfactory system is the only sense that bypasses the thalamus and goes straight to the brain's limbic system, which is why smells trigger memories so powerfully.
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