petrichor
USPET-ri-kor/ˈpɛt.ɹɪˌkɔɹUKPET-ri-kuh/ˈpɛt.ɹɪ.kə
- 1The special smell in the air when it first rains after a long period of warm, dry weather.
After weeks without rain, the first shower filled the backyard with petrichor.
Some perfume makers try to bottle the smell of petrichor.
UsageOften used in the smell of petrichor.
Note
Less common meaning
- 2A yellow oil that makes the special smell of the first rain after warm, dry weather.
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Origin
Made from the Greek word for 'stone' and ichor, the blood of the gods in Greek myth. An Australian scientist made it up in 1964.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- The word combines the Greek word for stone with ichor. en.wikipedia.org
- Ichor is the blood of the gods in Greek mythology. en.wikipedia.org
- An Australian scientist coined the word in 1964. en.wikipedia.org