Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a sharply pointed nose: Describes a person or animal whose nose is distinctly pointed or narrow at the tip.
   • Having a keen sense of smell: Describes a person or animal, especially a dog, that is skilled at detecting scents.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Physical Feature):

  • The sharp-nosed fox darted into the underbrush.
  • The portrait showed a sharp-nosed man with a stern expression.

• Adjective (Keen Smell):

  • The sharp-nosed hound quickly picked up the trail.
  • You need a sharp-nosed inspector to find that gas leak.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Metaphor: Can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is very perceptive or inquisitive.
  • The sharp-nosed reporter uncovered the scandal. (This implies the reporter is keen at detecting secrets, like a keen sense of smell.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sharp: (Adj) Having a thin cutting edge or fine point; keenly perceptive or intelligent.
• Nosed: (Adj) Having a nose of a specified kind. Often used in combination (e.g., long-nosed, red-nosed).

Synonyms

• Pointy-nosed: Having a pointed nose.
• Keen-nosed: Having a keen sense of smell.
• Acute: (For the metaphorical sense) Having a perceptive understanding.

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning refers to a physical characteristic (a pointed nose). The secondary meaning, relating to a keen sense of smell, is an extension often applied to animals but can be used figuratively for people. It is a compound adjective formed from "sharp" and "nosed."

Adjective

1. having a sharply pointed nose