Tantalise your senses with these 6 sensational words | Every Word Counts
It’s no secret that I love discovering and collecting new words. And I find it much easier to remember them if I group them into themes.
I recently came across two new words about senses that complemented a few I already knew, especially as they all share a connection with nature. Some are English words, either current or obsolete, while others come from further afield.
Sense of smell
Let’s kick this off with a smelly word you’re quite likely already familiar with: petrichor.
It’s the name for the pleasant earthy smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.
Coined in the pages of the scientific journal ‘Nature’ in 1964, the word derives from both Latin and Greek. Petro (from the Latin petra) is a combining form meaning “stone” (also found in petrified), while the Greek ichor means “essential fluid” or “essence”. So petrichor literally translates as “essence of stone”.
Sense of hearing
Moving from the nose to our ears brings us to the lesser-known psithurism (pronounced with a silent p). Unlike petrichor, which doesn’t really give away any clues, this imitative word deploys onomatopoeia to help conjure up the relevant image.
Try it for yourself. Close your eyes, say the word aloud and what pops into your mind?
Hopefully it was the sound of wind whispering through the trees or rustling leaves on a windy day, because that’s what it means.
In terms of etymology, psithurism ultimately comes from the Greek psithuros, meaning “whispering, slanderous”.
Sense of touch
Chances are you’ve experienced apricity without realising there was a word for it.
Meaning the warmth of the sun in winter, this now obsolete word appears to have entered our language in 1623. Sadly though, despite being a delightful word for one of life’s simple pleasures, it never quite caught on. The only modern dictionary you’ll find it in is the Oxford English Dictionary.
Etymology wise it comes from the Latin adjective apricus (meaning “having lots of sunshine” or “warmed by the sun”) and apricate (“to bask in the sun”). So next time you enjoy the feel of the winter sun on your face, perhaps while sipping a coffee outdoors, you’ll know what to call it!
Sense of sight
Since first stumbling across the Japanese word komorebi a few years ago, I’ve shared it with many friends and fellow word-lovers who didn’t know such a word existed.
The image above portrays komorebi, which describes the dappled sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. Such a beautiful and magical sight deserves an equally wonderful word.
A walk in the woods…
You could even combine some or all of these words about senses by taking part in a spot of shinrin yoku – the Japanese practice of forest bathing. This increasingly popular relaxation method involves being calm and quiet among the trees, observing nature around you while breathing deeply. Recognised as a natural tonic that can boost health and wellbeing, it’s often prescribed by Japanese doctors to help their patients de-stress.
In a similar vein, the German word Waldeinsamkeit describes the feeling of being alone in the woods, enjoying an easy solitude and a connection to nature.
Over to you
If you’d like to share any other unusual words about senses or can think of a suitable one for the sense of taste, please do let me know below.