olfaction

UK: ɒlˈfækʃən | US: ɑːlˈfækʃən

Definition

  1. n. the sense of smell; the act or process of smelling

Structure
ol <smell>fact <make/do>ion <noun suffix>ol <smell>fact <make/do>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

olfaction = ol<smell> + fact<make/do> + ion<noun suffix>

  • ol<smell>: From Latin olere (to smell), related to odor.
  • fact<make/do>: From Latin facere (to make/do), indicating action or process.
  • ion<noun suffix>: Denotes a state or action (e.g., "perception").

Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin olfactio (the act of smelling), combining olere (smell) and facere (to do). The word reflects the biological process of detecting odors, linking the sensory function ("smell") with the action ("doing"). Over time, it specialized in scientific contexts to describe the sense of smell.

Examples

  1. Dogs rely heavily on olfaction to navigate their environment.

  2. The study focused on how aging affects human olfaction.

  3. Olfaction plays a key role in taste perception.

  4. Certain diseases can impair olfaction permanently.

  5. Researchers use olfaction tests to diagnose neurological disorders.