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smell

(Science: physiology)

1. The sense or faculty by which certain qualities of bodies are perceived through the instrumentally of the olfactory nerves. See Sense.

2. The quality of any thing or substance, or emanation therefrom, which affects the olfactory organs; odour; scent; fragrance; perfume; as, the smell of mint. Breathing the smell of field and grove. (milton) That which, above all others, yields the sweetest smell in the air, is the violent. (bacon)

Synonym: scent, odour, perfume, fragrance.

Origin: OE. Smel, smil, smul, smeol. See Smell.