nostril
NounSynonyms:
anterior naris
WordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- either one of the two external openings to the nasal cavity in the noseSynonyms: anterior naris
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Nostril \Nos"tril\, n. [OE. nosethril, nosethirl, AS. nos[thorn]yrl; nos for nosu nose + [thorn]yrel opening, hole, from [thorn]yrel pierced, for [thorn]yrhel, fr. purh through. [root]261. See Nose, and Through, and cf. Thrill.] [1913 Webster]
1.(Anat.) One of the external openings of the nose, which give passage to the air breathed and to secretions from the nose and eyes; one of the anterior nares. [1913 Webster]
Note: In sperm whales, porpoises, and allied animals, there is only one nostril, which is situated on the top of the head and called a spiracle. [1913 Webster]
2.Perception; insight; acuteness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
Methinks a man Of your sagacity and clear nostril should Have made another choice.— B. Jonson.[1913 Webster]