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adj

olfactory

ol-FAK-tuh-ree
adj
1
Relating to the sense of smell.
"Dogs have a far more sensitive olfactory system than humans."
"The perfume was designed to trigger a strong olfactory memory."

How to Use Olfactory

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal, scientific word meaning "to do with smell."

When to use it

Mostly used in scientific, medical, or technical writing rather than everyday speech.

Common pairings
olfactory nerve olfactory sense olfactory receptors
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Fill the Gap

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Dogs have a far more sensitive _____ system than humans.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from Latin olfactorius, built from olere ("to smell") and facere ("to make").

Rhymes for olfactory

See all rhymes for olfactory →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial