smell
UK[smɛl]US[smɛl]
v
to perceive or detect the odor or scent of something through the nose
v
to emit or have an odor, either pleasant or unpleasant
n
the quality of something that is perceived by the nose; an odor or scent
n
the faculty or power of perceiving odors
Etymology
the modern english word 'smell' descends from the middle english 'smellen', which itself evolved from the old english verb 'smyllan'. its ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is likely of germanic origin, possibly related to middle low german 'smelen' and middle dutch 'smolen' (to smoulder, smoke). the semantic journey connects the concept of smoke or vapor, which carries scent particles, to the more general perception of odor. this evolution illustrates how a word for a specific, visible emission (smoke) broadened to describe the sensory perception of invisible airborne particles. the term has remained remarkably stable in form and core meaning from old english to the present day.
Analysis
the word 'smell' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
i can smell the fresh bread baking from the kitchen.
the garbage began to smell after sitting in the sun for days.
the smell of rain on dry earth is called petrichor.