adjective

olfactory

ahl-FAK-tuh-ree/ɑːlˈfæktəri/

Relating to the sense of smell.

The rose provides an olfactory pleasure as the woman breathes in its scent.

A woman gently smells a fresh rose, with its bloom immediately below her nose and her eyes softly closed, making the sense of smell the clear focus.

Etymology

olLatinemit a smell

+factLatinmake

+oryLatinrelating to

The roots for emitting a smell and making combine in a Latin verb meaning “get the smell of” or “sniff.” The adjective therefore concerns detecting smells, rather than simply giving off an odor.

In context

Siebert Science6:21

all of those functions memory auditory processing and olfactory or smell processing all takes place in the same lobe of the cerebrum

Brain: Cerebrum and Cerebellum (+ Broca’s, Wernicke’s, and limbic overview)

More examples

A cold can temporarily reduce your olfactory sensitivity.
The olfactory nerve carries smell signals to the brain.
Freshly baked bread creates a pleasant olfactory experience.

Forms

olfaction noun — The process of sensing and detecting smells.

Similar words

sensory: Covers all senses, not just the sense of smell.