olfactory
ohl-FAK-tuh-ree
/ɒlˈfæktəri/
Relating to the sense of smell.
Technical scientific term for smell sensory apparatus, neural pathways, and olfactory memory.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'olfactorium', formed from 'olere' (to emit a smell) combined with 'facere' (to make or do). Literally, an olfactory system 'makes sense of smells'.
Word relationships
- aromatic: 'Aromatic' means pleasant-smelling, whereas 'olfactory' is a neutral term describing smell sensing.
- olfactive: 'Olfactive' is mostly used in perfumery; 'olfactory' is standard in science and psychology.
- anosmic: 'Anosmic' describes the complete lack of olfactory function.
Commonly confused with
- factory: 'Factory' is a manufacturing building; 'olfactory' comes from Latin olere (to smell) + facere (to make/do).
Word family
- olfaction (noun): The action or capacity of smelling.
Collocations
- olfactory bulb
- olfactory system
- olfactory nerve
- olfactory fatigue
Example sentences
- "The olfactory bulb bypasses the thalamus and connects directly to the amygdala and hippocampus, explaining why smells trigger emotional memories." Neuroscience
- "Bloodhounds possess an extraordinary olfactory system containing up to three hundred million scent receptors." Zoology
Memory hook
OLFACTORY smells OLD FACTORY smoke through your nose. Smell the OLD FACTORY.
When not to use
Avoid using in casual conversation about dinner scents unless speaking ironically or technically.
Fun facts
- Human olfactory fatigue (noseblindness) occurs when scent receptors stop signaling the brain about an ongoing odor after just a few minutes!
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