Most of us recognize the smell of rain before a storm, but few know that scientists have mapped the chemistry behind it.
That signature scent, “petrichor,” comes from plant oils, airborne spores and the surprising physics of raindrops.
“Petrichor” is that scent when rain meets dry earth and is a small but telling part of the planet’s water cycle.
Here’s what you need to know about the word “petrichor” so you can start using it today.
What is the definition of ‘petrichor?’
The word “petrichor” is a noun defined as a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.
How is the word ‘petrichor’ pronounced?
The word “petrichor” is pronounced /PEH-truh-kor/.
How can you use ‘petrichor’ in a sentence?
- The petrichor after the summer rain filled the air with a fresh, earthy scent.
- She opened the window, breathing in the comforting petrichor rising from the garden.
- For him, the petrichor was a reminder of childhood storms and playing outside.
What is the origin of the word ‘petrichor?’
The word “petrichor” has roots from the Greek “petra,” meaning “stone,” and “ichor” which, in Greek mythology, is the otherworldly blood of the gods, according to CSIRO.
“Petrichor” was first introduced in the English language on March 7, 1964, according to Merriam-Webster.
What historical figures quoted the word ‘petrichor?’
The Australian mineral chemists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Grenfell Thomas were known for not only using the term, but also introducing it to the English language, in the article “Nature of argillaceous odour,” according to Merriam-Webster.
“The diverse nature of the host material has led us to propose the name ‘petrichor’ for this apparently unique odour which can be regarded as an ‘ichor’ or ‘tenuous essence’ derived from rock or stone,” the chemists wrote.
