a characteristic odor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a characteristic odor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific smell that is typical or distinctive of a particular substance, object, or environment. Example: "The cheese had a characteristic odor that was both pungent and inviting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Skin-cancer tumors give off a characteristic odor profile that could be used for early detection.

MIT Technology Review

Scientists have identified a characteristic odor profile given off by skin-cancer tumors, which might one day allow diagnosis by a wave of a detector across the skin.

MIT Technology Review

It varies in color from yellow to dark brown and has a characteristic odor and a bitter taste.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Unlike S. pungens, it lacks a characteristic odor and taste.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Each sensor responds slightly differently to a given odor, and taken together, the sensors give an "odor fingerprint"—a characteristic response pattern, such as a series of colors to each odor.

Science Magazine

Blinding the treatments was not possible because Povidone iodine has a characteristic color and odor.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas with the characteristic odor of rotten eggs, is known for its toxicity and as an environmental hazard, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration resulting from blockade of cytochrome c oxidase being the main toxic mechanism.

Critical Care

The characteristic odor of a CAFO is the result of a complex mixture of these gases and many volatile and semivolatile organic compounds.

Environmental Health Perspectives

To quantify the production of food odors we chose ethyl acetate as a characteristic food odor.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

S. pungens has a characteristic pungent odor, compared to the mild smell of S. brevipes, and like S. granulatus, has glandular dots on the stem.

Wikipedia

It is a light yellow color liquid with characteristic odor, insoluble in water and soluble in vegetable oils having flash point (176°C) and specific gravity (0.905 0.955 g/cm), and reported to possess potent broad spectrum antimicrobial activity [ 8– 10].

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something with "a characteristic odor", ensure the context makes it clear what that odor is associated with. Being specific enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a characteristic odor" without providing any context as to what makes it characteristic. The phrase loses its impact if the specific odor isn't identifiable or relevant to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a characteristic odor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a specific smell that is typical or distinctive, as Ludwig AI confirmed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a characteristic odor" is grammatically correct and serves to describe a smell that is typical or distinctive of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While its occurrence is rare, the phrase finds its primary contexts in science, news media, and Wiki sources. When using "a characteristic odor", ensure you provide context to clarify what the odor is associated with to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrases include "a distinctive scent" and "a typical smell", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. It has a neutral register, commonly used in descriptive or scientific writing where precise language is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinctive scent

Replaces "odor" with "scent", emphasizing a pleasant or neutral smell.

a typical smell

Substitutes "characteristic" with "typical", highlighting a common or expected smell.

a distinct smell

Substitutes "characteristic" for "distinct", denoting a clear and easily perceived smell.

a signature fragrance

Uses "fragrance" instead of "odor", suggesting a deliberately created or pleasant smell.

an identifiable aroma

Replaces "odor" with "aroma", often implying a more subtle and pleasing smell.

a peculiar scent

Emphasizes the strangeness of the scent

a telltale smell

Uses "telltale" to describe a smell that reveals something.

a unique smell

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the smell

a recognizable scent

Highlights that the scent can be easily recognized.

a trademark odor

Uses "trademark" to imply the odor is unique and associated with a specific thing.

FAQs

How can I use "a characteristic odor" in a sentence?

Use "a characteristic odor" to describe a smell that is typical or distinctive of something. For example, "The laboratory had "a characteristic odor" of chemicals."

What's a more formal way to say "a characteristic odor"?

You could use "a distinctive scent" or "a unique aroma". These alternatives, while similar, often carry a more refined or professional tone.

Which is correct, "characteristic odor" or "distinctive odor"?

Both "characteristic odor" and "distinctive odor" are correct. "Characteristic" implies a typical smell, while "distinctive" suggests a unique or easily identifiable smell. The choice depends on the specific context.

What can I say instead of "a characteristic odor" if I want to emphasize a bad smell?

Consider using "a foul stench" or "a pungent reek". These phrases convey a strong and unpleasant smell more effectively.