They were hit with a nauseating stench: the word 'stench' is a countable noun? Stench和Reek区别

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The word 'stench' is a countable noun?
Yes, in this sentence, "they were hit with a nauseating stench", "stench" is a countable noun because it is being used to refer to a specific unpleasant odor that can be perceived and counted as one instance. The sentence implies that there was a single overpowering and unpleasant odor that affected the people who smelled it. Therefore, "stench" can be counted as one occurrence or instance of that particular odor.

stench
stench  / stentʃ /
noun
[sing.]
   a strong, very unpleasant smell
   臭气；恶臭
   SYN  reek :
   an overpowering stench of rotting fish
   腐烂的鱼臭气熏天
  (figurative) The stench of treachery hung in the air.
   到处都是可耻的叛变的气息。

英语学员注意，stench这里标注了是[sing.]
意思就是单数名词，不能用作复数， 如果一定要用作复数的话，想表示多种臭味的话，就需要改变词汇，比如改变为odors或者smells
In a dictionary, when a noun is marked with "[sing.]", it means that the noun is a singular or uncountable noun. This indicates that the noun cannot be pluralized and that it refers to a single object or concept, rather than multiple instances of it.
In the case of "stench", it is a singular noun, so it cannot be used in the plural form "stenches". Instead, if you want to refer to multiple instances of a strong, unpleasant smell, you would need to use a different word, such as "odors" or "smells".

What is the difference between "stench" and "reek"?
Both "stench" and "reek" refer to an unpleasant odor or smell, but there are some subtle differences between the two words.

"Stench" usually refers to a strong, unpleasant odor that is lingering and offensive, often associated with decomposition, sewage, or chemicals. It implies a very strong and persistent smell that can be overpowering and difficult to tolerate.

"Reek," on the other hand, typically refers to a strong, unpleasant smell that is caused by burning or smoke, such as the reek of burning rubber, tobacco smoke, or cooking fumes. It can also refer to a strong smell caused by sweat or body odor.

Overall, "stench" is generally associated with an offensive odor that is lingering and persistent, while "reek" is often used to describe a strong and pungent odor that is more acute and intense in nature. However, the two words are sometimes used interchangeably, and their meanings can overlap depending on the context in which they are used.

“Stench”通常指的是强烈的、难闻的气味，这种气味经久不散，让人感到恶心和反感，通常与腐烂、污水或化学品有关。它暗示了一种非常强烈和持久的气味，难以忍受。

而“Reek”通常是指由燃烧或烟雾引起的强烈、难闻的气味，例如燃烧橡胶、烟草烟雾或烹饪烟雾的臭味。它也可以指因出汗或体臭引起的强烈气味。

总的来说，“stench”通常与持久而强烈的难闻气味相关，“reek”则更常用于描述更加急剧和强烈的气味。但是，两个词有时会互换使用，并且它们的含义可以因使用的上下文而有所重叠。