Pronunciation: /ˈpɛtrɪkɔːr/ Part of speech: noun Definition: The distinctive, earthy, and usually pleasant scent produced when rain falls on warm, dry soil. Etymology: <cite index="4-3">The word was coined in 1964 by Australian scientist Richard Thomas, in a paper co-authored with Isabel Bear which described the phenomenon.</cite> <cite index="4-4">It derives from Ancient Greek *pétra* meaning "rock" or *pétros* meaning "stone," and *ikhṓr* (ichor), the ethereal fluid that is the blood of the gods in Greek mythology.</cite> <cite index="5-4">Before this coinage, scientists referred to the scent as "argillaceous odor" because it was particularly noticeable near soil with a lot of whitish clay called argil.</cite> Synonyms: geosmin-scent, earthscent, rain-scent, argillaceous odor, pluvial aroma, after-rain fragrance In a sentence: She paused on the porch steps and inhaled deeply, savoring the petrichor_ that rose from the garden as the first drops of the summer storm struck the cracked earth.