First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1scent
noun \ˈsent\
: a pleasant smell that is produced by something
: a smell that is left by an animal or person and that can be sensed and followed by some animals (such as dogs)
: a slight indication of something that is going to happen or that might happen
Full Definition of SCENT
1
: effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: as a : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over b : a characteristic or particular odor; especially : one that is agreeable
2
a : power of smelling : sense of smell <a keen scent> b : power of detection : nose <a scent for heresy>
3
: a course of pursuit or discovery <throw one off the scent>
4
: inkling, intimation <a scent of trouble>
5
: perfume 2
6
: bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds
7
: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
— scent·less \ˈsent-ləs\ adjective
See scent defined for English-language learners
See scent defined for kids
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Origin of SCENT
Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir
Related to SCENT
Synonym Discussion of SCENT
fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor. fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things <the fragrance of pine>. perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor <the perfume of lilacs>. scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation <scent-free soaps>. redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors <the redolence of a forest after a rain>.
smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense. smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character <an odd smell permeated the room>. scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant <the scent of lilacs>. odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell <a cheese with a strong odor>. aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor <the aroma of freshly ground coffee>.
smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense. smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character <an odd smell permeated the room>. scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant <the scent of lilacs>. odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell <a cheese with a strong odor>. aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor <the aroma of freshly ground coffee>.
2scent
verb
: to become aware of (something) by smell
: to give (something) a pleasing smell
Full Definition of SCENT
transitive verb
1
a : to perceive by the olfactory organs : smell b : to get or have an inkling of <scent trouble>
2
: to imbue or fill with odor <scented the air with perfume>
intransitive verb
1
: to yield an odor of some specified kind <this scents of sulfur>; also : to bear indication or suggestions
2
: to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey
See scent defined for English-language learners
Origin of SCENT
Middle English senten, from Anglo-French sentir to feel, smell, from Latin sentire to perceive, feel — more at sense
First Known Use: 15th century
SCENTLESS Defined for Kids
1scent
noun \ˈsent\
Definition of SCENT for Kids
1
: an odor that is given off by someone or something <… a little wind … brought a fresh scent of newly turned earth with it. — Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden>
2
: power or sense of smell <The dog has a keen scent.>
3
: a course followed in search or pursuit of something <The reporter was on the scent of a story.>
4
: 1perfume 1
2scent
verb
scent·edscent·ing
Definition of SCENT for Kids
1
: to become aware of or follow through the sense of smell <The dog scented a rabbit.>
2
: to get a hint of <Aunt Petunia obviously scented danger, too … — J. K. Rowling, Sorcerer's Stone>
3
: to fill with an odor : perfume <Roses scent the air.>
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