Definition: A sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, detected by inhaling air (or, the case of water-breathing animals, water) carrying airborne molecules of a substance.
Alright class, settle down and let’s take a look! Today we’re tackling ‘smell,’ a fascinating sense indeed. The dictionary gave us a pretty long definition, didn't it? Let’s break it down piece by piece, nice and neat. Essentially, “smell” is all about perception . It’s how we tell what things are around us – without even seeing them! Let's think of it this way: When you breathe in, your nose gets to work, you see? Tiny little hairs, a wonderful trick, Catching airborne molecules, quick, quick, quick! These “airborne molecules” are like tiny messengers, drifting on the breeze, Carrying information from things that please – or maybe cause unease. Think of baking bread, warm and sweet, you know, Or a freshly cut flower, putting on quite a show. Your nose detects those scents, a chemical delight, And tells your brain, “That’s wonderful! That's right!” But it’s not just pleasant smells – sometimes they aren’t so grand, Like smoke or something rotten, you understand? The dictionary says it applies to water-breathing creatures too, So fish and whales can smell, a watery view! They detect scents in the sea, it's true. Key takeaway: 'Smell' is our ability to detect those molecules with our nose, letting us know what’s around us through chemical signals. Does that make sense? Do you have any questions about how this works? Don't be shy – let's discuss!