Sneeze: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคง
Add to dictionary

sneeze

 

[sniหz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical reaction

To sneeze means to expel air forcibly from the nose and mouth due to irritation of the nasal mucosa. It is often accompanied by a sound and can be triggered by allergens, colds, or other irritants. Sneezing is a reflex action, usually considered a natural response that helps to clear the nasal passages.

Synonyms

blast, exhale, sternutation.

Examples of usage

  • She sneezed loudly during the meeting.
  • He could feel a sneeze coming on from the pollen.
  • When you sneeze, cover your mouth to prevent spreading germs.
Context #2 | Noun

act of sneezing

A sneeze is a quick, involuntary act of expelling air through the nose and mouth, typically as a response to nasal irritation. It can occur singularly or in a series and may be loud or soft. Sneezes can also be an indication of health issues such as allergies or infections.

Synonyms

sternutation, sudden exhale.

Examples of usage

  • His sneeze startled everyone in the quiet room.
  • She felt a sneeze coming on.
  • Trying to hold in a sneeze can be uncomfortable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'snesen,' which means to 'snuff' or 'snore.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old English 'fneosan,' suggesting a connection to the action of breathing or exhaling.

Health

  • Sneezing helps clear the nose of irritants, such as dust, pollen, or germs.
  • The average person sneezes about 4 times per day.
  • When you sneeze, it can expel air at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour!

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, sneezing was considered a sign that someone was thinking or talking about you.
  • In Japan, saying 'bless you' is less common than in Western cultures; instead, sneezes may be met with curiosity rather than a blessing.

Science

  • The act of sneezing can be triggered by various stimuli, including bright light, which is known as photic sneeze reflex.
  • Certain types of dust and pollen can lead to allergic reactions, prompting sneezes as the bodyโ€™s defense mechanism.

Literature

  • Sneezing has appeared in various literary works, often symbolizing surprise or unpredictability.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare referenced sneezing in plays and sonnets, highlighting its human aspect.

Translations

Translations of the word "sneeze" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น espirro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค›เฅ€เค‚เค•เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Niesen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bersin

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‡ั…ะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kichniฤ™cie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใใ—ใ‚ƒใฟ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท รฉternuer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estornudar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hapลŸฤฑrmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žฌ์ฑ„๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนุทุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kรฝchรกnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kรฝchanie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰“ๅ–ทๅš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kihanje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hnerra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถำฉั‚ะตะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒแƒฎแƒฃแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ asqฤฑrmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estornudar

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,127, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.