odorous

American  

[oh-der-uhs] / ˈoʊ dər əs /

adjective

1. odoriferous.

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odorous British  

/ ˈəʊdərəs /

adjective

1. having or emitting a characteristic smell or odour

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Other Word Forms

• nonodorous
  adjective
• nonodorously
  adverb
• nonodorousness
  noun
• odorosity
  noun
• odorously
  adverb
• odorousness
  noun
• preodorous
  adjective
• unodorous
  adjective
• unodorously
  adverb
• unodorousness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of odorous

First recorded in 1540–50, odorous is from the Latin word odōrus “fragrant.” See odor, -ous

Explanation

Anything that has a strong scent can be described as odorous. Usually if you say something is odorous you mean that it smells unpleasant — like an odorous blue cheese made from unpasteurized milk. The adjective odorous comes from the Latin odorus, meaning “fragrant.” Typically, you wouldn’t say, “those roses you sent me are so odorous!” Although that comment could be literally correct, the implication would be insulting to the giver of said roses. More common uses of odorous might include: odorous gym mats, odorous garbage can, odorous gas fumes — you get the picture. Or rather the stench.

Example Sentences

Next came light breezes blowing from the land, Odorous with roses, sweet with drowsy songs Of nightingales, and cool with myrtle leaves, Following down the path the sunrise took.

From The Arctic Queen by Unknown

Odorous substances have occasioned syncope, stupor, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes death.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Pyle, Walter L. (Walter Lytle)

Odorous oils were then sprinkled over him, and finally a powerful vomit was given to him.

From Niels Klim's journey under the ground being a narrative of his wonderful descent to the subterranean lands; together with an account of the sensible animals and trees inhabiting the planet Nazar and the firmament. by Gierlow, John

Hail, O Prophet! on this feast day Odorous balsams, fragrant resins Here we bring—and offer garlands, Throwing flowers down before thee, And before thy much-loved sister, Who has found her rest beside thee.

From Uarda : a Romance of Ancient Egypt — Complete by Ebers, Georg

"Odorous flower, whose voice is like a flute, listen to me!" implored the woman of Ramses.

From The Pharaoh and the Priest An Historical Novel of Ancient Egypt by Curtin, Jeremiah