scent
UK[sent]US[sent]
n
a pleasant, natural smell
n
a smell, especially one that is left behind by an animal or person and that can be followed by dogs
v
to begin to feel that something exists or is about to happen
v
to make something smell pleasant
Etymology
the word 'scent' entered english in the late 14th century from the old french 'sentir', carrying the primary meaning "to smell, to perceive by the nose." its ultimate latin ancestor, 'sentire', had a broader sensory meaning of "to feel, perceive, sense," connecting to the proto-indo-european root sent- meaning "to head for, go." the semantic journey from the general act of perceiving or feeling to the specific perception of smell illustrates a narrowing of meaning. the silent 'c' was inserted in the 17th century, influenced by the spelling of related words like 'ascend' and 'descend,' though it has no etymological basis, creating the modern orthographic form we recognize today.
Analysis
the word 'scent' is a simplex form. it is a loanword from old french 'sentir', meaning "to feel, smell", which itself derives from latin 'sentire', meaning "to feel, perceive".
Examples
the scent of roses filled the garden.
the hounds picked up the fox's scent and gave chase.
i scent a hint of deception in his overly generous offer.