Information AboutOdor |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT ODOR | |
| olfaction | |
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An odor or '''odour''' (see Spelling Differences ) is the object of perception of the Sense of Olfaction . Odors are also called '''smells'''. The term '''stench''' or '''pong''' is used to describe an unpleasant odor. The term '''fragrance''' or '''aroma''' is used primarily by the Food and cosmetic industry to describe a pleasant odor, and is sometimes used to refer to Perfume s. Odors correspond to the objective phenomenon of chemicals dissolved in air, although, as with other senses, psychological factors can play a part in perception. Certain odors, such as perfumes and flowers, are much sought after and large prices are paid for the most elite ones. Other whole industries have developed products to remove unpleasant odors. See Deodorant . Odors that are mostly perceived as "pleasant": Odors that are mostly perceived as "unpleasant":
The perception of odors is also very much dependent upon circumstance. The odor of Cooking processes may be agreeable while cooking, but not after the Meal when one is full. It is also culturally dependent; what smells great to you may be quite unpleasant for your neighbors. The study of odors is a growing field, but is a complex and difficult one. The human Olfactory System can detect many thousands of scents based on only very minute airborne concentrations of a chemical. The sense of smell of many animals is even better. Some fragrant flowers give off '' Odor Plumes '' that move downwind, and are detectable by Bee s more than a kilometer away. Pheromone s are odors that are deliberately used for communication. A female Moth may release a pheromone that can entice a male moth from several kilometers. Honeybee queens constantly release pheromones that regulate the activity of the Hive . Workers can release such odors to call other bees into an appropriate cavity when a swarm moves in, or to "sound" an alarm when the hive is threatened. There are hopes that smelling machines could do everything from test perfumes to help detect cancer, but as yet artificial noses are still quite inadequate. EXTERNAL LINKS
ODOR REFERENCE BOOKS odor reference books |
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