Petrichor [Noun]

Sentence: Publishing in the journal Nature in 1964, Bear and Thomas proposed a name for the scent brought on by rain. They called it “petrichor,” a blend of the Greek words petra, rock, and ikhor, the blood of the gods in Greek mythology. But the scientists acknowledged that they were not the first to identify the stormy smell. They were not even the first to extract it. In fact, what they had dubbed petrichor was already a signature fragrance produced in Kannauj. Extracted from parched clay and distilled with ancient techniques, it is known as mitti attar—Earth’s perfume. (Source: www.theatlantic.com)

Meaning: The pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather

How To Remember?

Any word having “petra-” in it, has something to do with rocks. For example, petroleum refers to “rock oil”. Thus, petrichor too has something to do with rocks. And “ichor” refers to the fluid that flows through the veins of gods in Greek mythology.

Picture fresh rain droplets on rocks, and imagine that wonderful smell which emanates then – a serious cure for bad mood.

Remember thus!

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