(Science: anatomy) Olfactory organ, an organ for smelling. In vertebrates the olfactory organs are more or less complicated sacs, situated in the front part of the head and lined with epithelium innervated by the olfactory (or first cranial) nerves, and sensitive to odouriferous particles conveyed to it in the air or in water.
Origin: L. Olfactus, p.p. Of olfacere to smell; olere to have a smell _ facere = to make. See Odour, and Fact.