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smell

smell

 
 
pronunciation:
smel
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun
phrases:
smell a rat
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: smells, smelling, smelled, smelt
definition 1: to perceive the odor of by means of the nose.
She smelled smoke and went downstairs to investigate.I have such a bad cold that I can hardly smell anything.I think I smell something burning.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ]
synonyms:
nose, scent
definition 2: to examine by using the sense of smell.
She smelled the milk to see if it was still fresh.
 
synonyms:
sniff, snuff
similar words:
examine
definition 3: to detect; discern.
We smelled deceit in his words and in his manner.
synonyms:
detect, discern, sense, sniff
similar words:
feel, perceive, root, suspect
phrase: smell a rat
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to have or give off an odor or fragrance.
These flowers don't smell very much.Her skin smells nice.The meat smelled fresh.The perfume smells like tropical flowers.
definition 2: to perceive an odor by means of the nose.
The medication affects my ability to smell.
similar words:
sniff
definition 3: to have or give off an unpleasant odor; stink.
The rotten vegetables started to smell.
synonyms:
reek, stink
similar words:
root
definition 4: to possess an odor produced by something else (usu. fol. by "of").
His clothing smelled of smoke.The kitchen smelled of freshly baked bread.
definition 5: to investigate (usu. fol. by about or around).
The detectives smelled around the place for some evidence.
synonyms:
sniff
similar words:
nose
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act or an instance of smelling.
One smell was enough to know the food was rotten.
similar words:
odor
definition 2: the sense through which scent is perceived.
Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
synonyms:
olfaction
similar words:
scent
definition 3: the quality that may be perceived through this sense.
I love the smell of coffee in the morning.
synonyms:
odor, scent, whiff
definition 4: a pervasive influence or quality, as of a situation.
The smell of victory was in the air.
synonyms:
aroma, odor
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  foot, nerve, sense