Natalie_R 10 Posted March 9, 2011 This weeks word-of-the-week is... Petrichor It is derived from petros meaning "stone" and ichor which is the liquid that runs through the veins of the Greek gods of mythology. Any ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPBon 10 Posted March 9, 2011 The pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a dry spell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cali Craft and Gems 14 Posted March 9, 2011 Aaaahhhh - is that the "aroma" that was in the air last night in PE!?!? A tremendous thunder and lightening storm, accompanied by a fantastic stretch of solid rain! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DestinysAngels 12 Posted March 9, 2011 (edited) "Smell of rain" Petrichor: (The fluid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology) is the name of the scent of rain on dry earth. The term was coined in 1964 by two Australian researchers, Bear and Thomas, for an article in the journal Nature.[1] In the article, the authors describe how the smell derives from an oil exuded by certain plants during dry periods, whereupon it is absorbed by clay-based soils and rocks. During rain, the oil is released into the air along with another compound, geosmin, producing the distinctive scent. In a follow-up paper, Bear and Thomas (1965) showed that the oil retards seed germination and early plant growth.[2] Edited March 9, 2011 by DestinysAngels Share this post Link to post Share on other sites