Odorer
Odorer is a term used in speculative discussions of olfactory technology to denote a hypothetical device or system for the capture, encoding, transmission, and recreation of odors. In imagined implementations, an odorer would ideally function like a multimedia recorder, but for scents, storing odor signatures and reproducing them on demand.
Etymology: The word derives from odor, meaning smell, with the agent suffix -er, indicating an instrument or
Concept and components: In fictional or theoretical descriptions, an odorer would involve several components: an odor
Challenges and critique: Realizing an odorer raises challenges related to the chemical diversity of odors, subjective
Reality today: While there is ongoing research in olfactory displays, electronic noses, and aroma simulators, there
See also: olfactory display, odor sensor, scent technology, olfactometer.