Odors — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈō-dər/

Meaning & Definition of Odors

Odors (noun)

  1. a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ, scent
  2. a sensation resulting from adequate stimulation of the olfactory organ, smell
  3. a characteristic or predominant quality, flavor

Word Forms of Odors

Derived words: odored (adjective), odorless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Odors

Middle English odour, borrowed from Anglo-French odur, borrowed from Latin odor (early Latin odōs), going back to *od-os-, s-stem derivative of a verbal base *od- (whence Latin oleō, olēre, also olō, olere to give off a smell, smell (of), from *odere), going back to Indo-European *h3ed-, whence Greek ózein "to smell, give off an odor," Armenian hot smell, odor (probably also an s-stem), Lithuanian úodžiu, úosti to smell, sniff

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Odors

What does "Odors" mean?

"Odors" means a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ, scent. As a noun, it is defined as: a quality of something that stimulates the olfactory organ, scent. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Odors" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Odors" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Odors"?

"Odors" is pronounced /ˈō-dər/.

What is the origin of the word "Odors"?

"Odors" comes from Middle English odour, borrowed from Anglo-French odur, borrowed from Latin odor (early Latin odōs), going back to *od-os-, s-stem derivative of a verbal base *od- (whence Latin oleō, olēre, also olō, olere to give off a smell, smell (of), from *odere), going back to Indo-European *h3ed-, whence Greek ózein "to smell, give off an odor," Armenian hot smell, odor (probably also an s-stem), Lithuanian úodžiu, úosti to smell, sniff. First known use: 13th century.

What words are derived from "Odors"?

Words derived from "Odors" include odored (adjective) and odorless (adjective).