adj

olfactory

ol-FAK-tuh-ree

Olfactory (adj) means relating to the sense of smell. Example: “Dogs have a far more sensitive olfactory system than humans.”

adj

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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Can you complete this real example?

Dogs have a far more sensitive _____ system than humans.

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

Origin: Latin

olfactive

olfactive

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What does “olfactory” mean?

The word “olfactory” means relating to the sense of smell. In plain terms, a formal, scientific word meaning "to do with smell.".

How do you pronounce “olfactory”?

“Olfactory” is pronounced ol-FAK-tuh-ree (/ɑlˈfæk.təɹ.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “olfactory” in a sentence?

Here is “olfactory” used in a sentence: “Dogs have a far more sensitive olfactory system than humans.”

What part of speech is “olfactory”?

“Olfactory” is an adjective.

Where does the word “olfactory” come from?

The word “olfactory” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin olfactorius, built from olere ("to smell") and facere ("to make").

olfactive