odour
UK: ˈəʊdə | US: ˈoʊdɚ
n. a distinctive smell, especially an unpleasant one
n. (figurative) a lingering quality or impression associated with something
The word "odour" traces back to Latin odor, meaning "smell" or "scent." It entered Middle English via Old French odur or odeur, retaining its core meaning. The suffix -our (later simplified to -or in American English) is derived from Latin -or, used to form nouns denoting a condition or quality. Over time, "odour" has often carried a neutral or negative connotation, distinguishing it from more positive terms like "scent" or "aroma."
The kitchen was filled with the odour of burnt toast.
A faint odour of mildew lingered in the basement.
The chemical left a sharp odour in the lab.
There was an odour of suspicion surrounding his sudden wealth.
The flowers released a sweet odour in the evening air.