Definition of scent
1 : effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: such asa : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed overb : a characteristic or particular odor; especially : one that is agreeable
2a : power of smelling : sense of smell a keen scentb : 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
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Examples of scent in a Sentence
The flower has a wonderful scent.
The dogs followed the fox's scent.
The prisoner escaped because the dogs lost his scent.
Origin and Etymology of scent
Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir
Synonym Discussion of scent
smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense. smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character. an odd smell permeated the room scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant. the scent of lilacs odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell . a cheese with a strong odor aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor. the aroma of freshly ground coffee
scent
Definition of scent
transitive verb
1a : to perceive by the olfactory organs : smellb : to get or have an inkling of scent trouble
2 : to imbue or fill with odor scented the air with perfume
intransitive verb
1 : to yield an odor of some specified kind this scents of sulfur; also : to bear indication or suggestions
2 : to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey
Examples of scent in a Sentence
The dog scented a rabbit.
She scented the air with perfume.
Origin and Etymology of scent
Middle English senten, from Anglo-French sentir to feel, smell, from Latin sentire to perceive, feel — more at sense
SCENT Defined for English Language Learners
scent
playDefinition of scent for English Language Learners
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: a pleasant smell that is produced by something
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: a smell that is left by an animal or person and that can be sensed and followed by some animals (such as dogs)
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: a slight indication of something that is going to happen or that might happen
scent
Definition of scent for English Language Learners
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: to become aware of (something) by smell
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: to give (something) a pleasing smell
SCENT Defined for Kids
Definition of scent for Students
1 : an odor that is given off by someone or something … a little wind … brought a fresh scent of newly turned earth with it. — Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
2 : power or sense of smell The dog has a keen scent.
3 : a course followed in search or pursuit of something The reporter was on the scent of a story.
4 : 1perfume 1
Definition of scent for Students
scented
;scenting
1 : to become aware of or follow through the sense of smell The dog scented a rabbit.
2 : to get a hint of Aunt Petunia obviously scented danger, too … — J. K. Rowling, Sorcerer's Stone
3 : to fill with an odor : perfume Roses scent the air.
Learn More about scent
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See words that rhyme with scent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for scent Spanish Central: Translation of scent Nglish: Translation of scent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of scent for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scent
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