Nostrils: meaning, definitions and examples

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nostrils

 

[ หˆnษ’sยทtrษ™lz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

body part

Nostrils are the two openings in the nose through which air passes in and out of the body. They are lined with mucous membranes and tiny hairs that help filter out dust and other particles.

Synonyms

nasal cavities, nasal passages, nose holes.

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Word Description / Examples
nostrils

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the two openings of the nose through which air passes.

  • Her nostrils flared in anger.
  • He could feel the cold air entering his nostrils.
nasal passages

Used in both medical contexts and common conversation to refer to the channels within the nose through which air flows.

  • Her nasal passages were blocked due to a cold.
  • Inhaling steam can help clear nasal passages.
nose holes

Informal and somewhat childish term for nostrils, typically used in casual conversation or by children.

  • He stuck his fingers up his nose holes.
  • The wind was so strong it made my nose holes tingle.
nasal cavities

Scientific or medical term used to describe the internal space within the nose where the air is conditioned before reaching the lungs.

  • The doctor examined the patient's nasal cavities.
  • Inflammation in the nasal cavities can cause difficulty in breathing.

Examples of usage

  • The fresh scent of flowers tickled her nostrils.
  • He could feel the cold air entering his nostrils as he took a deep breath.
  • The smoke made her nostrils burn.
  • The strong smell of the spices filled her nostrils.
  • I could see steam rising from his nostrils as he breathed heavily.

Translations

Translations of the word "nostrils" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น narinas

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคพเคธเคพเค›เคฟเคฆเฅเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Nasenlรถcher

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lubang hidung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ะทะดั€ั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nozdrza

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ผปๅญ” (ใณใ“ใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท narines

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ fosas nasales

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท burun delikleri

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฝง๊ตฌ๋ฉ (kotgu-meong)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎูŠุงุดูŠู… (khiyashim)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nozdry

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nozdry

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ผปๅญ” (bรญkว’ng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nosnici

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nasir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะฝะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒ”แƒกแƒขแƒแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜ (nestoebi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ burun dษ™liklษ™ri

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ fosas nasales

Etymology

The word 'nostrils' comes from Middle English 'nostril' and Old English 'nosthyrl', which is a compound of 'nosu' meaning 'nose' and 'thyrl' meaning 'hole'. The concept of nostrils has been present in human anatomy for centuries, as they play a crucial role in the respiratory system by allowing air to enter and exit the body.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,096, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.