Olfactometer

Pronunciation
/ol-fak-tom-i-ter/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Olfactometer
Plural
Olfactometers

Definition

A device for detecting the response of insects to odors. Air is passed over a potential stimulant and insects are induced to move upwind to the source, making a choice or choices along the way to ascertain that the odor, not just air movement or moisture, is providing the stimulus.

Etymology

From Latin 'olfactus', meaning 'smell', and 'Greek 'metron', meaning 'measure'.

Example

An olfactometer was used to study the response of mosquitoes to different scents.

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