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
1
Relating to the sense of smell.
"The disease can impair olfactory function."
"Dogs possess a highly developed olfactory system."
"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 notesIn 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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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").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for olfactory
See all rhymes for olfactory →Frequently asked questions
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").
