The word "stench" is spelled with the letter S followed by the letters T, E, N, C, and H. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /stɛntʃ/, where the "st" sound is followed by the "ɛ" sound as in "bed", the "n" sound, the "tʃ" sound as in "chop". A stench refers to a strong and unpleasant smell, usually caused by something decomposing or rotting.
Stench is a noun that refers to a very strong, unpleasant smell or odor. It is characterized by an overwhelming and offensive quality that is often unpleasant or nauseating to the senses. The term implies an intense and pervasive foulness that can linger in the air and is difficult to ignore or tolerate. Stenches are generally associated with decomposing matter, rotting or decaying organic substances, or other various sources of putrid and noxious emissions.
The word stench derives from the Old English term "stenċe," which means a strong smell. It is often used to describe foul odors that evoke revulsion or disgust. The perception of stench is subjective and can vary depending on an individual's sensitivity, tolerance, and cultural background.
Stenches can arise from a variety of sources, including food spoilage, garbage, sewage, chemicals, or bodily waste. They can also be caused by natural phenomena such as animal carcasses, stagnant water, or certain types of plants. The term is frequently used figuratively to describe situations, environments, or actions that are morally repugnant, disgraceful, or distasteful.
In literature and poetry, stench is often utilized for its powerful sensory impact, allowing the writer to evoke vivid and repulsive imagery. In summary, stench represents an offensive and repugnant smell that possesses a noxious quality, causing discomfort and aversion in those who encounter it.
A strong bad smell; offensive odour.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "stench" originated from the Middle English word "stenche", which was derived from the Old English word "stenc". The Old English word "stenc" meant "foul odor" or "stench". It is believed to have possibly come from the Proto-Germanic word "stankwiz", meaning "bad smell". This Proto-Germanic word was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*stengh-", which meant "to stink" or "smell unpleasantly". The word "stench" has roots that trace back to several Germanic languages, as well as to the ancient Proto-Indo-European language.