n.
Pronunciation: ' sent
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir
Date: 14th century
1 : effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: as a : an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over b : a characteristic or particular odor especially : one that is agreeable
2 a : power of smelling : sense of smell <a keen scent > b : power of detection : NOSE <a scent for heresy>
3 : a course of pursuit or discovery <throw one off the scent >
4 : INKLING , INTIMATION <a scent of trouble>
5 : PERFUME 2
6 : bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds
7 : a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
synonyms see FRAGRANCE , SMELL
– scent · less \ ' sent-l ə s \ adjective