hook nose

A man with a prominent hook nose smiles warmly.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A curved nose: "hook nose" refers to a nose that is shaped like a hook, typically having a prominent, downward-curving bridge or tip. This is a descriptive term for a specific physical feature.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He had a distinctive hook nose that made him easily recognizable in a crowd. (A nose with a curved, hook-like shape.)
  • The caricature exaggerated his hook nose for comedic effect. (The drawing emphasized the curved shape of his nose.)

Advanced Usage

• "hook-nosed" (adjective): having a nose shaped like a hook.

  • The old man was hook-nosed and stern-looking. (He possessed a nose with a curved, hook-like appearance.)

• Cultural note: The term "hook nose" is sometimes used in literature or historical descriptions to characterize certain ethnic or fictional figures, but it can be considered a physical stereotype. In modern usage, it is best used as a neutral, descriptive term without judgment.

Variants and Related Words

• Hook-nosed (adj): describing a person with a hook nose.

  • The hook-nosed detective squinted at the evidence. (The detective had a curved nose and was looking closely.)

• Hooked (adj): bent or curved like a hook.

  • His hooked nose gave his profile a sharp angle. (His nose was curved like a hook.)

Synonyms

• Aquiline nose: a nose with a curved, eagle-like shape (often considered a more formal or poetic synonym).

  • She had an aquiline nose, which was considered aristocratic. (A curved nose resembling an eagle's beak.)

• Beak nose: a nose shaped like a bird's beak, similar to a hook nose.

  • The bird had a beak nose, ideal for catching fish. (A nose with a pointed, curved shape.)

Related Idioms

• "To follow one's nose": to go straight ahead or rely on instinct.

  • Just follow your nose and you'll find the bakery. (Go straight ahead, as if guided by the nose.)

• "To have a nose for something": to have a special ability to detect or find something.

  • She has a nose for good investments. (She has a talent for finding profitable opportunities.)

Note: The idioms above use "nose" generally, not "hook nose" specifically, but they are related to the concept of a nose as a feature.