Word of the week: Smellucination

February 16, 2016 at 6:28PM

Definition: The perception of a smell when there is no source for that smell; an olfactory hallucination. (Merriam-Webster)

Sample usage: "Either someone opened a can of tuna or my cat is yawning. But there's no can and I don't have a cat; must be a smellucination."

Popularity: It's one of those words that people understand as soon as they hear it. Note: does not apply to pungent perfumes. When you detect a strong scent worn by that One Person who you SWEAR must apply it with a paintbrush, and said person isn't around, you know they were here recently. Or at least within the previous week.

Chance of catching on: Its odds stink.

JAMES LILEKS

Heard a new word or phrase you want us to dissect? Let us know at word@startribune.com.

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