scent (sĕnt)
n.

1. A distinctive, often agreeable odor. See synonyms at fragrance, smell.
2. A perfume: an expensive French scent.
3. An odor left by the passing of an animal.
4. The trail of a hunted animal or fugitive.
5. The sense of smell: a bear's keen scent.
6. A hint of something imminent; a suggestion: caught the scent of a reconciliation.

v., scent·ed, scent·ing, scents.

v.tr.

1. To perceive or identify by the sense of smell: dogs scenting their prey.
2. To suspect or detect as if by smelling: scented danger.
3. To fill with a pleasant odor; perfume: when blossoms scent the air.

v.intr.
To hunt prey by means of the sense of smell. Used of hounds.

[Middle English sent, from senten, to scent, from Old French sentir, from Latin sentīre, to feel.]

scentless scent'less adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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