nose

¹nose

noun \ˈnōz\

Definition of NOSE

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, proboscis

2

a : the sense of smell : olfaction

b : aroma, bouquet

3

: the vertebrate olfactory organ

4

a : the forward end or projection of something

b : the projecting or working end of a tool

5

: the stem of a boat or its protective metal covering

6

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) : accurately

2

: 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>

Examples of NOSE

1. The ball hit me right on the nose.
2. You need to wipe your nose.
3. I have a runny nose.
4. the long nose of the anteater
5. He got some water up his nose.
6. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
7. That dog has a good nose.
8. The whale measures 40 feet from nose to tail.

Origin of NOSE

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to NOSE

Synonyms

beak, conk [chiefly British slang], honker [slang], neb, nozzle [slang], proboscis, schnoz (or schnozz) [slang], schnozzle [slang], smeller, snoot, snout

Related Words

pug, pugnose

Rhymes with NOSE

brose, chose, close, cloze, doze, gloze, hose, pose, prose, rose, Rose

²nose

verb

nosednos·ing

Definition of NOSE

transitive verb

1

: to detect by or as if by smell : scent

2

a : to push or move with the nose

b : to move (as a vehicle) ahead slowly or cautiously <nosed my car into the parking space>

3

: to touch or rub with the nose : nuzzle

intransitive verb

1

: to use the nose in examining, smelling, or showing affection

2

a : to search impertinently : pry

b : poke 2a

3

: to move ahead slowly or cautiously <the boat nosed around the bend>

4

: to move the forward end in a specified direction <the plane nosed up>

5

: to advance into a slight lead

Examples of NOSE

1. The horse nosed my hand.
2. Some animal must have nosed the lid off the garbage can.
3. The dog nosed the door open.
4. The dogs were nosing around in the garbage.
5. The boat nosed around the bend.
6. I nosed my car into the parking space.
7. The car nosed its way into the street.

First Known Use of NOSE

circa 1587

Related to NOSE

Synonyms

smell, scent, sniff, snuff, whiff

Antonyms

fly, race, speed, whiz (or whizz), zip

Related Words

breathe, drink (in), inhale, respire; snort, snuffle; savor (also savour)

Near Antonyms

avoid, eschew, shun; disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook

nose

noun \ˈnōz\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of NOSE

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 above or projecting beyond the muzzle

2

: the sense of smell : olfaction

3

: olfactory organ

Illustration of NOSE

nose

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Prominent structure between and below the eyes. With the complex nasal cavity behind it, it functions for breathing and smelling. Behind the front section (vestibule), which includes the nostrils, it is divided vertically by three convoluted ridges (conchae) into air passages. In the highest one, the olfactory region, a small segment of mucous membrane lining contains neurons covered by a moisture layer, in which microscopic particles in inhaled air dissolve and stimulate the neurons. The rest of the cavity warms and moistens inhaled air and filters particles and bacteria out of it. Sinus cavities in the bone on both sides of the nose drain into the air passages. During swallowing, the soft palate closes off the back of the nose against food.