odorivectorn.
/ˈəʊdərᵻvɛktə/, U.S. /ˈoʊdərəˌvɛktər/ Physiology.
A molecule that is capable of stimulating an olfactory receptor; a substance composed of such molecules. Frequently attributive.
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odorivector1926
1926 Nature 24 Apr. 591/2 The quality of the sensation depends on the molecular structure of the odorivector.
1964 Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 116 431 The final result of interaction of the odorivector molecules with the olfactory area is a modification in the electrical activity of the nerve cells which communicate with the sensors.
1967 J. W. Johnston in T. Hayashi Olfaction & Taste II 46 It is problematical whether there are pure odorivectors that stimulate one type of sensor unit.
1992 Q. Jrnl. Exper. Psychol. B. 44 245 The strongest evidence of odorivector compounds in amniotic fluid is from human data.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1926