olfaction

views updated May 21 2018

ol·fac·tion / älˈfakshən; ōl-/ • n. technical the action or capacity of smelling; the sense of smell.DERIVATIVES: ol·fac·tive / -tiv/ adj.

olfaction

views updated Jun 27 2018

olfaction The sense of smell or the process of detecting smells. This is achieved by receptors in olfactory organs (such as the nose) that are sensitive to air- or water-borne chemicals. Stimulation of these receptors results in the transmission of information to the brain via the olfactory nerve. See vomeronasal organ.

olfaction

views updated May 21 2018

olfaction (ol-fak-shŏn) n.
1. the sense of smell.

2. the process of smelling. Sensory cells in the mucous membrane that lines the nasal cavity are stimulated by the presence of chemical particles dissolved in the mucus.
olfactory (ol-fak-ter-i) adj.

olfaction

views updated May 18 2018

olfaction Detecting by means of smell.

olfaction

views updated May 23 2018

olfaction Detecting by means of smell.

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