First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
redolent
adjective red·o·lent \-lənt\
: having a strong smell : full of a fragrance or odor
: causing thoughts or memories of something
Full Definition of REDOLENT
1
: exuding fragrance : aromatic
2
a : full of a specified fragrance : scented <air redolent of seaweed> b : evocative, suggestive <a city redolent of antiquity>
— red·o·lent·ly adverb
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Origin of REDOLENT
Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin redolent-, redolens, present participle of redolēre to emit a scent, from re-, red- + olēre to smell — more at odor
Related to REDOLENT
Synonym Discussion of REDOLENT
odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent. odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant <odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped>. fragrant applies to things (as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors <a fragrant rose>. redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors <the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes>. aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors <an aromatic blend of tobaccos>.
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