Nostril: meaning, definitions and examples

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nostril

[ ˈnɑːstrəl ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy

A nostril is one of the two openings in the nose that allow air to enter the nasal passages for breathing. They are also involved in the sense of smell and play a role in filtering and humidifying the air we breathe.

Synonyms

airway, nasal passage, nose hole.

Examples of usage

He breathed in deeply through his nostrils.
She has a piercing in her left nostril.
The doctor examined the patient's nostrils for any signs of infection.
Nostrils are important for regulating airflow while breathing.

Translations

Translations of the word "nostril" in other languages:

🇵🇹 narina

🇮🇳 नाक का छिद्र

🇩🇪 Nasenloch

🇮🇩 lubang hidung

🇺🇦 ноздря

🇵🇱 dziurka nosowa

🇯🇵 鼻孔

🇫🇷 narine

🇪🇸 narina

🇹🇷 burun deliği

🇰🇷 코 구멍

🇸🇦 خرطوم الأنف

🇨🇿 nosní dírka

🇸🇰 nosná dierka

🇨🇳 鼻孔

🇸🇮 nosnica

🇮🇸 nös

🇰🇿 мұрын тесігі

🇬🇪 ცხვირის ხვრელი

🇦🇿 burun dəliyi

🇲🇽 narina

Etymology

The word 'nostril' comes from the Old English 'nosthr', which means 'nose', combined with the suffix 'il', indicating a diminutive form. The term has its roots in the Proto-Germanic *nostwō, which also relates to the Proto-Indo-European root *nas- meaning 'nose'. Over time, 'nostril' evolved to distinguish the individual openings of the nose, especially in the context of breathing and olfactory functions. The anatomical importance of nostrils has been recognized across cultures, as they are essential for life-sustaining activities such as respiration and the sense of smell. The structure of nostrils can vary significantly among different species, reflecting adaptations to their environments and lifestyles.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,816, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19813 abomination
19814 embittered
19815 patting
19816 nostril
19817 defile
19818 waiving
19819 rationalized
...