Definition

1. Noun:
   • A long projecting nose or muzzle of an animal: The prominent, often elongated, front part of an animal's head, especially the nose and jaws, as seen in animals like pigs, dogs, or anteaters.
   • (Informal) A person's nose, especially a large or prominent one: A humorous or slightly derogatory term for a human nose.
   • A projecting part resembling an animal's snout: Any pointed front or projecting part, such as the front of a ship, a nozzle, or the beak-like projection on some insects.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Animal Part):
  • The pig used its snout to root in the dirt for food.
  • The anteater has a very long, narrow snout perfect for eating ants.
• Noun (Informal, Human Nose):
  • He got hit right on the snout during the boxing match.
• Noun (Projecting Part):
  • The snout of the glacier extended far into the valley.
  • The weevil is identified by its distinctive snout.

Advanced Usage

• "To lead by the snout": To control someone completely, often by exploiting their appetites or weaknesses.
  • The corrupt official was led by the snout by his desire for money.
• "Snout to tail": Referring to the entire length of an animal or, by extension, the use of all parts of something.
  • The chef prepared a snout-to-tail feast using every part of the pig.

Variants and Related Words

• Snouted (adj): Having a snout or a specified type of snout.
  • The long-snouted elephant shrew is a fascinating creature.
• Snoutish (adj): Resembling a snout.
  • The snoutish projection of the tool was very effective.

Synonyms

• Muzzle: The projecting part of the face of an animal like a dog or horse (more specific to the mouth and nose area).
• Proboscis: A long, flexible snout or trunk, as of an elephant or insect (more formal/scientific).
• Beak: The projecting jaws of a bird or the similar projecting part of some other animals (not typically used for mammals).

Related Phrases

• Snout beetle: Another name for a weevil, an insect with a characteristic beak-like projection.
• Snout reflex: A medical term for a primitive reflex seen in some neurological conditions, where touching the lips causes them to pucker forward.

Related Idioms

• "Keep one's snout out of": To avoid interfering in something; to mind one's own business.
  • I wish he would keep his snout out of my personal affairs.
• "With one's snout in the trough": Greedily taking advantage of a situation for personal gain, especially in politics or business.
  • The scandal revealed several politicians with their snouts in the trough.

Noun

1. beaklike projection of the anterior part of the head of certain insects such as e.g. weevils
2. informal terms for the nose
3. a long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head; especially the nose