scent

¹scent

noun \ˈsent\

Definition of SCENT

1

: effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: as a : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over b : a characteristic or particular odor; especially : one that is agreeable

2

a : power of smelling : sense of smell <a keen scent> b : power of detection : nose <a scent for heresy>

3

: a course of pursuit or discovery <throw one off the scent>

4

: inkling, intimation <a scent of trouble>

5

: perfume 2

6

: bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds

7

: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing

— scent·less \ˈsent-ləs\ adjective

Examples of SCENT

1. The flower has a wonderful scent.
2. The dogs followed the fox's scent.
3. The prisoner escaped because the dogs lost his scent.

Origin of SCENT

Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SCENT

Synonyms: aroma, attar (also otto), balm, bouquet, fragrancy, incense, perfume, redolence, fragrance, spice

Antonyms: fetor, malodor, reek, stench, stink

Related Words: essence, odor

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at fragrance, smell

Other Hunting and Fishing Terms

chum, covert, creel, flense, pitfall, seine, skulk, spoor, trawl

Rhymes with SCENT

bent, Brent, cent, dent, gent, Ghent, hent, Lent, pent, rent, sent, spent, sprent, stent, tent, Trent, vent