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Sneezing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sneezing

[หˆsniหzษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

common action

Sneezing is the sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth. It is often a reflex to clear the nasal passages of irritants such as dust, pollen, or allergens. Sneezing can also occur due to a respiratory infection or as a response to bright light.

Synonyms

epistaxis, sneeze.

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't stop sneezing due to his allergies.
  • She covered her mouth when she started sneezing in public.
  • Sneezing is sometimes contagious if caused by a viral infection.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biological Function

  • Sneezing is your bodyโ€™s way of clearing irritants like dust, pollen, or germs from your nose.
  • The force of a sneeze can travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour!
  • Each sneeze can release thousands of droplets into the air, which is why covering your mouth is important.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, people say 'Bless you!' after someone sneezes as a way to wish them good health.
  • In some traditions, sneezing is believed to signal that someone is talking about you, or it could be seen as a sign of luck.

Medical Insights

  • Chronic sneezing can be a symptom of allergies, colds, or infections.
  • Thereโ€™s a phenomenon called photic sneeze reflex where bright light can make people sneeze.

Language and Expression

  • The sound of a sneeze can vary greatly around the world, with different cultures adopting unique expressions.
  • In French, the onomatopoeia for a sneeze is 'atchoum,' while in Spanish it's 'achรญs.'

Fun Facts

  • Some people canโ€™t sneeze at all, a condition called 'sneeze phobia' or 'sneeze anxiety.'
  • The longest recorded sneeze attack lasted for about 977 days, according to the Guinness World Records!

Origin of 'sneezing'

The word 'sneeze' can be traced back to the late Middle English term 'sneesen', which means to sneeze. This term is thought to be derived from the Old Dutch 'sneus', meaning 'to sneeze', which is akin to the German 'niesen'. The transition from 'sneesen' to 'sneeze' reflects a phonetic evolution in the English language influenced by various dialects and languages. The act of sneezing is documented across cultures, as it is a universal response to irritants affecting the nasal cavity. Over time, the word has retained its relevance in both medical contexts and everyday conversation, often associated with allergies, colds, and other respiratory conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,436, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.