Definition

1. Noun:
   • Either of the two external openings of the nose: A "nostril" is one of the two openings in the nose that lead into the nasal cavity, allowing air to enter and exit for breathing and for the sense of smell.

Usage

• The word "nostril" is a countable noun. You typically refer to one or both nostrils.
• It is used in both general and anatomical contexts.
• Common verbs used with "nostril" include: , , , .

Examples

• Noun:
  • She could feel a cold draft in her left nostril.
  • The doctor asked him to breathe in deeply through both nostrils.
  • The horse's nostrils flared as it ran.

Advanced Usage

• "to flare one's nostrils": to widen the nostrils, often as a sign of anger, excitement, or effort.
  • The bull flared its nostrils before charging.
• "to be in/up someone's nostrils": (informal, often negative) to be very noticeable or offensive to someone.
  • The stench of the garbage was right in my nostrils.

Variants and Related Words

• Naris (noun, plural: ): The medical or anatomical term for a nostril.
  • The examination checked the patency of the nares.
• Nasal (adjective): Relating to the nose.
  • He spoke with a nasal tone due to his cold.

Synonyms

• Naris (technical)
• Nose hole (informal, less common)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• "to stink in someone's nostrils": (literary/archaic) to be extremely offensive or disgusting to someone.
  • His betrayal stank in the nostrils of his former friends.

Noun

1. either one of the two external openings to the nasal cavity in the nose