Most of us recognize the smell of rain before a storm, but few know that scientists have mapped the chemistry behind it.

That signature scent, “petrichor,” comes from plant oils, airborne spores and the surprising physics of raindrops.

“Petrichor” is that scent when rain meets dry earth and is a small but telling part of the planet’s water cycle.

Here’s what you need to know about the word “petrichor” so you can start using it today.

What is the definition of ‘petrichor?’

The word “petrichor” is a noun defined as a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.

How is the word ‘petrichor’ pronounced?

The word “petrichor” is pronounced /PEH-truh-kor/.

How can you use ‘petrichor’ in a sentence?

The petrichor after the summer rain

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