olfactory bulb

noun

: a bulbous anterior projection of the olfactory lobe that is the place of termination of the olfactory nerves and is especially well developed in lower vertebrates (such as fishes)

Examples of olfactory bulb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest research looked at a part of the brain called the olfactory bulb, which processes information about smell. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 16 Sep. 2024

Humans have two olfactory bulbs located in the forebrain, which are connected to each nasal cavity by the olfactory nerve. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Sep. 2024

Unable to see the smallest particles The new study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open, found microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of eight of 15 cadavers that ranged in size from 5.5 micrometers, or 0.000217 of an inch, to 26.4 micrometers, or 0.001039 of an inch. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024

These ultrafine particles can translocate from people’s noses into their brains via the olfactory bulb, Casey said. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

olfactory bulb

noun

: either of two small round structures projecting from the lower surface of the brain above the nasal cavity that transmit stimuli from the olfactory nerves to other areas of the brain for processing

Medical Definition

olfactory bulb

noun

: a bulbous anterior projection of the olfactory lobe that is the place of termination of the olfactory nerves