Putrid

/ˈpjuːtrɪd/ adjective

Definition

Rotting or decomposed, especially describing something with a foul smell caused by decay.

Etymology

From Latin 'putridus' (rotten), derived from 'putrefacere' (to rot). The word entered English in the 15th century to describe decaying organic matter and has kept that unpleasant meaning ever since.

Kelly Says

The smell of something putrid triggers an almost automatic disgust response in humans because our ancestors who avoided rotten food were less likely to get poisoned, so evolution wired us to hate that smell immediately.

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