Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a nose, especially one of a particular kind, shape, or characteristic. This can refer to a literal physical nose or be used in a more metaphorical sense to describe a front part that resembles or functions like a nose.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The dog was a sharp-nosed breed, excellent for tracking. (The dog had a nose that was physically pointed and keen.)
  • The new, stub-nosed version of the aircraft is more aerodynamic. (This describes the aircraft's front part, which is short and blunt like a certain nose shape.)
  • He is a hard-nosed businessman who never backs down from a negotiation. (Here, 'hard-nosed' is a fixed metaphorical compound meaning tough and uncompromising; it describes a characteristic, not a physical nose.)

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The adjective 'nosed' is almost always used in combination with another word (a hyphenated compound) to specify the type of nose. It is rarely used alone.
• The specified kind can be a physical attribute (e.g., , ) or a figurative quality (e.g., meaning perceptive).
• Caution: When explaining the word 'nosed' in isolation, it is crucial to note that its meaning is dependent on the modifier it is paired with. The core meaning is "having a nose of the [modifier] kind."

Variants and Related Words

• -nosed (suffix): Functions as a combining form to create compound adjectives.
  • Hook-nosed: Having a nose that curves like a hook.
  • Button-nosed: Having a small, round nose resembling a button.
• Nose (n): The facial organ for smelling and breathing.
• Nose (v): To move forward cautiously or to pry.

Synonyms

• Beaked (when referring to a pointed front, especially in animals or objects).
• Snouted (specifically for animals with a projecting nose and mouth).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Hard-nosed: Pragmatic, tough, and uncompromising.
  • The hard-nosed detective solved the case.
• Toffee-nosed (Chiefly British, informal): Snobbish or pretentious.
  • He acts so toffee-nosed since he got that promotion.
• Brown-nosed (Slang, derogatory): Behaving obsequiously to gain favor; sycophantic.
  • He's just brown-nosed the manager to get the project.

Adjective

1. having a nose (either literal or metaphoric) especially of a specified kind