cover of episode Macrosmatic

Macrosmatic

2023/4/22
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Word of the Day

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Shownotes Transcript

Macrosmatic is an adjective that means having a highly developed sense of smell. 

Our word of the day comes from a combination of the Greek prefix M-A-C-R-O meaning ‘large,’ and osme (OSS me) meaning ‘smell.’ Originally used to describe animals like bears or dogs, that have a highly developed sense of smell, it has, more recently been used to describe people whose ability to smell is greater than normal. Here’s an example:

Me and my trusty bulldog Scout have a lot in common apart from our macrosmatic skills. Not only can we smell a chicken from a long distance away, we both enjoy eating them — although I prefer them cooked.