petrichor

[ pet-ri-kawr, pe-trahy-kawr ]

Part of Speech noun

Origin + Etymology

blend of petro- ‘relating to rocks’ (the smell is believed to be caused by a liquid mixture of organic compounds which collects in the ground) and ichor

Synonyms

earthiness
smell of the earth

Definition

a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

Example

I hope they will get the time and the open space to experience the petrichor in the air.

Usage Over Time

#uncommon

Usage Over Time

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maudlin

[ mawd-lin ]

tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental

minacious

[ mi-ney-shuhs ]

menacing; threatening

conundrum

[ kuh-nuhn-druhm ]

a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as: "What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper."

ichor

[ ahy-kawr ]

from Classical Mythology: the blood of the gods

aerate

[ air-eyt ]

to expose to the action or effect of air or to cause air to circulate through

ensconce

[ en-skons ]

to settle securely or snugly; to cover or shelter; hide securely

mammonism

[ mam-uh-niz-uhm ]

the greedy pursuit of riches

affluent

[ af-loo-uhnt ]

having an abundance of wealth, property, or other material goods; prosperous; rich

peregrinate

[ per-i-gruh-neyt ]

to travel or journey, especially to walk on foot