olfactory

[ol-fak-tuh-ree, -tree, ohl-]

adjective

1. of or relating to the sense of smell.

   olfactory organs.

noun

plural

olfactories 

1. Usually olfactories. an olfactory organ.

2. olfactory nerve.

olfactory

/ -trɪ, ɒlˈfæktərɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sense of smell

noun

1. (usually plural) an organ or nerve concerned with the sense of smell

olfactory

1. Relating to or involving the organs or sense of smell.

olfactory

1. A descriptive term for the sense of smell.

Other Word Forms

• olfactorily adverb
• nonolfactory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of olfactory¹

1650–60; < Latin olfactōrius, equivalent to olfac ( ere ) to smell at, sniff ( ol ( ēre ) to smell (akin to odor ) + facere to make, do) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of olfactory¹

C17: from Latin olfactus, past participle of olfacere, from olere to smell + facere to make

Example Sentences

The fourth biennial Scent Fair L.A. will celebrate everything olfactory in the heart of the museum district at Craft Contemporary.

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There are brain cells that represent entire concepts, some with an affinity for visual information and others for olfactory input.

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“When THC binds to our CB1 receptors, your hypothalamus gets activated, dopamine gets released and your olfactory sensitivity is heightened, “ Verderame explained.

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Each fragrance is infused with three natural ingredients — the synthetic molecules of aldehydes, alcohol from upcycled carbon emissions and water — to reach the “highest degree of olfactory clarity and expression.”

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“It’s supposed to be the primary olfactory cortex.”

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Related Words

• audiovisual 
• auditory 
• aural 
• neural 
• neurological 
• sensual 
• sonic 
• tactile 
• visual