SMELL Meaning and
Definition
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Smell is a sensory perception experienced through the olfactory system, allowing the detection and recognition of odorous substances in the environment. It is the ability of an organism to detect and differentiate various scents or odors by inhaling air or other gaseous substances. Smell is closely related to taste as it greatly contributes to the overall perception of flavor.
The sense of smell is facilitated by specialized nerve cells in the nasal cavity called olfactory receptors, which detect chemical molecules in the air and transmit signals to the brain. These receptors, when activated by specific odor molecules, trigger electrical impulses that are interpreted by the brain as distinct smells.
Smell serves several vital functions, including detecting dangerous or spoiled substances, finding food or potential mates, and evoking memories or emotions. It plays a significant role in influencing human behavior and preferences.
The olfactory system is capable of distinguishing a wide range of odors, often evoking a varied and complex range of sensory experiences. Smells can be described as pleasant, unpleasant, strong, weak, fresh, or stale, among other characteristics. Certain scents are commonly associated with specific objects or situations, such as the smell of flowers, food, or rain.
Overall, smell is a fundamental sense that contributes to our understanding of the world, enriches our experiences, and plays a crucial role in our daily lives.
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1. To scent. to perceive by means of the olfactory apparatus. 2. The sense of smell, olfaction. 3. An odor, a scent.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• The faculty of perceiving by the organs of the nose certain qualities of bodies; one of the nose certain qualitites of bodies; one of the five senses; scent; odour.
• To preceive by the nerves of the nose; to have a particular odour or scent; to exercise sagacity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SMELL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SMELL
Etymology of SMELL
The word smell originated from the Old English word smyl, which meant odor, scent, or perfume. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word smulaz, which also meant odor or smell. The word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root word smel-, meaning to smell.
Idioms with the word SMELL
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smell a rat
The idiom "smell a rat" means to become suspicious or to sense that something is not right or honest in a situation.
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smell blood
The idiom "smell blood" means to sense or detect a sign of weakness, vulnerability, or imminent defeat in a situation or in someone's demeanor. It often refers to a predatory instinct or opportunistic behavior, suggesting that someone is actively ready to take advantage of the perceived weakness for their own gain.
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wake up and smell the coffee
The idiom "wake up and smell the coffee" means to become aware of the reality of a situation or to acknowledge the truth, especially when it is unappealing or unfavorable. It is often used to emphasize the need for someone to pay attention, stop being naïve, or recognize the obvious facts.
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pass the smell test
The idiom "pass the smell test" is used to describe a situation or individual that appears to be suspicious or questionable. If something or someone "passes the smell test," it means they meet the minimum standards of credibility, acceptability, or trustworthiness.
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smell/taste blood
The idiom "smell/taste blood" refers to a situation where someone senses the nearness of victory or success and becomes more determined or aggressive as a result. It suggests that they can sense their own impending triumph or the weakness of their opponent.
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smell of sth
The idiom "smell of sth" refers to a situation or circumstance that strongly suggests or indicates the presence or existence of something, often something suspicious, wrong, or amiss. It can also imply that there are clues or evidence that point towards a certain conclusion or outcome.
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smell sth up
The idiom "smell sth up" means to make something emit an unpleasant odor or to cause something to have a foul smell.
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smell (sm, sth, or an animal) out
To "smell (someone or something) out" is an idiomatic expression that means to detect or discover something or someone through a keen sense of smell. It can also refer to using intuition or investigative skills to uncover hidden truths or secrets.
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smell out
The idiom "smell out" means to detect or discover something hidden or secret, often by using intuition or keen observation. It refers to being able to uncover the truth or the real nature of a situation or person.
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smell up
The idiom "smell up" refers to the act of causing an unpleasant or strong odor to fill an area or linger in the surroundings. It implies the creation of a foul or overpowering smell.
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the sweet smell of success
The idiom "the sweet smell of success" refers to the feeling of achievement, accomplishment, or victory, often accompanied by recognition or praise. It implies the gratifying sensation of triumphing over obstacles, attaining one's goals, and reaping the rewards of hard work.
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live on the smell of an oil rag
The idiom "live on the smell of an oil rag" refers to living in extremely poor conditions or with limited resources. It implies barely scraping by or surviving on very little.
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fail the smell test
The idiom "fail the smell test" is used to describe a situation, action, or statement that seems suspicious, questionable, or dishonest. It implies that something cannot pass scrutiny or meet the standards of credibility, integrity, or plausibility upon closer examination.
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smell of the lamp
The idiom "smell of the lamp" refers to the intense effort and long hours put into studying, research, or creative work. It conveys the idea of working so diligently that the person's efforts become apparent or noticeable, often accompanied by physical exhaustion.
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the smell of the lamp
The idiom "the smell of the lamp" refers to the distinct and often overwhelming smell that is associated with burning oil or a lamp, typically used during late-night studying or working. Figuratively, it represents the hard work, dedication, and effort put into intellectual pursuits or creative endeavors.
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smell to heaven
The idiom "smell to heaven" is an expression used to convey the sense that something is absolutely wrong or morally offensive. It refers to an action or situation that is so grievous or corrupt that it figuratively reaches the heavens, implying that it is beyond tolerable or acceptable.
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smell/stink to high heaven
The idiom "smell/stink to high heaven" means that something has a very strong, offensive, or unpleasant smell. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation, action, or behavior that seems suspicious, corrupt, or morally wrong.
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smell fishy
The idiom "smell fishy" means to find something suspicious or questionable, often referring to situations or circumstances that don't seem right or trustworthy. It implies a sense of doubt or a feeling that there may be hidden motives or deceit involved.
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live on the smell of an oily rag
The idiom "live on the smell of an oily rag" typically means to live on a very meager or minimal amount of money or resources. It implies living in a frugal manner, barely getting by, and making the most out of limited resources.
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smell like a rose
The idiom "smell like a rose" means to be in a favorable or positive situation, typically involving being praised, admired, or respected. It implies that someone or something is free from any fault, criticism, or suspicion and is perceived in a highly positive light.
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rose by any other name would smell as sweet
The phrase "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" is a famous quote from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. It means that the name or labeling of something does not affect its true nature or essence. Regardless of what something is named, its inherent qualities or characteristics remain the same. In the context of the play, Juliet suggests that Romeo's family name of Montague is not important; it is the person he is that matters.
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a rose by any other name would smell as sweet
The idiom "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" means that the true nature or essence of something does not change based on its name or what it is called. In other words, the name or label given to something does not alter its intrinsic qualities or characteristics.
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smell to (high) heaven
The idiom "smell to (high) heaven" refers to something or someone that is extremely suspicious, offensive, or morally wrong. It implies that there is a strong and unpleasant odor associated with the situation or person, indicating a sense of corruption, dishonesty, or wrongdoing.
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smell something fishy
The idiom "smell something fishy" means to suspect that something is suspicious or not quite right. It implies the feeling of detecting or sensing that there is something deceitful, dishonest, or questionable about a situation or someone's actions. It can also suggest an intuition or hunch that prompts one to be cautious or skeptical.
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live off smell of an oily rag
The idiom "live off the smell of an oily rag" means to live very frugally or to barely make ends meet by managing on very little money or resources. It implies living in a manner that requires minimal expenses and without any unnecessary luxuries.
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see, spot, smell, etc. something a mile off
To see, spot, smell, etc. something a mile off means to easily notice or detect something from a far distance or in advance. It implies that the thing being observed is very obvious, noticeable, or predictable.
Similar spelling words for SMELL
- smylie,
- smelly,
- smiley,
- smale,
- Smelley,
- small,
- smile,
- SMEAL,
- smola,
- smilo,
- Smalley,
- smail,
- Samella.
Conjugate verb Smell
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have smelt; smelled
you
would have smelt; smelled
he/she/it
would have smelt; smelled
we
would have smelt; smelled
they
would have smelt; smelled
I
would have smell
you
would have smell
he/she/it
would have smell
we
would have smell
they
would have smell
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been smelling
you
would have been smelling
he/she/it
would have been smelling
we
would have been smelling
they
would have been smelling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would smell
you
would smell
he/she/it
would smell
we
would smell
they
would smell
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be smelling
you
would be smelling
he/she/it
would be smelling
we
would be smelling
they
would be smelling
FUTURE
I
will smell
you
will smell
he/she/it
will smell
we
will smell
they
will smell
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be smelling
you
will be smelling
he/she/it
will be smelling
we
will be smelling
they
will be smelling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have smelt; smelled
you
will have smelt; smelled
he/she/it
will have smelt; smelled
we
will have smelt; smelled
they
will have smelt; smelled
I
will have smelled
you
will have smelled
he/she/it
will have smelled
we
will have smelled
they
will have smelled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been smelling
you
will have been smelling
he/she/it
will have been smelling
we
will have been smelling
they
will have been smelling
IMPERATIVE
you
smell
we
let´s smell
to smell
PAST
I
smelled
you
smelled
he/she/it
smelled
we
smelled
they
smelled
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was smelling
you
were smelling
he/she/it
was smelling
we
were smelling
they
were smelling
PAST PARTICIPLE
smelt; smelled
smelled
PAST PERFECT
I
had smelt; smelled
you
had smelt; smelled
he/she/it
had smelt; smelled
we
had smelt; smelled
they
had smelt; smelled
I
had smelled
you
had smelled
he/she/it
had smelled
we
had smelled
they
had smelled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been smelling
you
had been smelling
he/she/it
had been smelling
we
had been smelling
they
had been smelling
PRESENT
I
smell
you
smell
he/she/it
smells
we
smell
they
smell
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am smelling
you
are smelling
he/she/it
is smelling
we
are smelling
they
are smelling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
smelling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have smelt; smelled
you
have smelt; smelled
he/she/it
has smelt; smelled
we
have smelt; smelled
they
have smelt; smelled
I
have smelled
you
have smelled
he/she/it
has smelled
we
have smelled
they
have smelled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been smelling
you
have been smelling
he/she/it
has been smelling
we
have been smelling
they
have been smelling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
smell
SIMPLE PAST
I
smelt; smelled
you
smelt; smelled
he/she/it
smelt; smelled
we
smelt; smelled
they
smelt; smelled
I
would have smelled
we
would have smelled
you
would have smelled
he/she/it
would have smelled
they
would have smelled
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