n.
- a distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant.
- pleasant-smelling liquid worn on the skin; perfume.
- a trail indicated by the characteristic smell of an animal.
▸a trail of evidence assisting someone in a search or investigation.
- archaic the faculty or sense of smell.
v.
- impart a pleasant scent to.
- discern by the sense of smell.
▸sense the presence or imminence of:
the Premier scented victory last night.
Derivative
- scented adj.
- scentless adj.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. sentir ‘perceive, smell’, from L. sentire.