petrichor
Say it: PET-rih-kor /ˈpɛtrɪkɔː/ · noun
What “petrichor” means
The earthy smell when rain falls on dry ground.
More precisely: The pleasant, earthy smell that rises when rain falls on dry ground.
Example: “After a week of heatwave, the first shower filled the street with petrichor.”
When to use it
For that fresh smell after rain, especially after a dry, hot spell.
Memory trick
Greek “petra” means stone: it's the smell of rain on stone.
Similar words
earthy scent, rain smell
Where it comes from
Coined in 1964 from Greek petra 'stone' and ikhōr, the fluid in gods' veins.
Quick check
After weeks of sun, the first rain hits the pavement and the air smells earthy. What are you smelling?
petrichor or humidity?
Show the answer
petrichor
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