a. [ L. olfactus, p. p. of olfacere to smell; olere to have a smell + facere to make. See Odor, and Fact. ] (Physiol.) Of, pertaining to, or connected with, the sense of smell; as, the olfactory nerves; the olfactory cells. [ 1913 Webster ]

Olfactory organ (Anat.), 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 odoriferous particles conveyed to it in the air or in water. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Olfactories An olfactory organ; also, the sense of smell; -- usually in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ]