smell
/smɛl/
noun
- 1
A sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, detected by inhaling air (or, the case of water-breathing animals, water) carrying airborne molecules of a substance.
“I love the smell of fresh bread.”
- 2
The sense that detects odours.
- 3
A conclusion or intuition that a situation is wrong, more complex than it seems, or otherwise inappropriate.
Synonyms
verb
- 1
To sense a smell or smells.
“I can smell fresh bread.”
- 2
Followed by like or of if descriptive: to have a particular smell, whether good or bad.
“Her feet smell of cheese.”
- 3
(without a modifier) To smell bad; to stink.
“Ew, this stuff smells.”
- 4
To have a particular tincture or smack of any quality; to savour.
“A report smells of calumny.”
- 5
To exercise sagacity.
- 6
To detect or perceive; often with out.
- 7
To give heed to.
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