Main Entry:

¹nose

Pronunciation:

\ˈnōz\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English nosu; akin to Old High German nasa nose, Latin nasus

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: the part of the face that bears the nostrils and covers the anterior part of the nasal cavity ; broadly : this part together with the nasal cavity b: the anterior part of the head at the top or end of the muzzle : snout, proboscis2 a: the sense of smell : olfaction b: aroma, bouquet3: the vertebrate olfactory organ4 a: the forward end or projection of something b: the projecting or working end of a tool5: the stem of a boat or its protective metal covering6 a: the nose as a symbol of prying or meddling curiosity or interference b: a knack for discovery or understanding <a keen nose for absurdity>

— on the nose

1 a: at or to a target point <the bombs landed right on the nose> b (1): on target : accurate (2): accurately2: to win —used of horse or dog racing bets

— under one's nose

: extremely near to one <the answer was right under our noses> ; also : brazenly in or as if in one's presence <embezzling funds right under his nose>