Definition of: smell

(smel) v. smelled or smelt, smell·ing v.t.
1. To perceive by means of the nose and its olfactory nerves.
2. To perceive the odor or perfume of; scent.
3. To test by odor or smell.
4. To discover, detect, or seek to know, as if by smelling: often with out.
—v.i.
5. To emit an odor or perfume; give off a particular odor: frequently with of; also, to give indications of, as if by odor: to smell of treason.
6. To be malodorous.
7. To use the sense of smell.
8. To pry; investigate: with about.
—noun
1. That special sense by means of which odors are perceived.
2. The sensation excited through the olfactory nerves.
3. That which is directly perceived by this sense; an odor; perfume.
4. A faint suggestion; hint; trace.
5. An act of smelling. [ME smellen] Synonyms (noun): aroma, bouquet, fragrance, odor, perfume, savor, scent, stench, stink. Smell is the generic word including all the rest. Aroma, fragrance, and perfume are ordinarily pleasing; odor, savor, and scent may be so. Odor is nearly synonymous with smell, but is susceptible of more delicate use; as, the odor of incense. An aroma is a delicate and spicy odor, as of fine coffee; bouquet is said chiefly of the delicate odor of certain wines. We speak of the fragrance or perfume of flowers, but fragrance is more delicate; a perfume may be so strong and rich as to be repulsive by excess. There is a tendency to restrict the application of perfume to the artificial preparations called collectively “perfumery.” Scent is chiefly used for the characteristic odor of an animal by which it is tracked or avoided by other animals; the word is also applied to any odor, natural or artificial, especially when faintly diffused through the air; as, the scent of mignonette or of new–mown hay. Savor is chiefly said of the appetizing odor evolved from articles of food by the processes of cooking. Any smell that is at once foul, strong, and pervasive may be called a stench. See SAVOR.