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nostril

American  
[nos-truhl] / ˈnɒs trəl /

noun

  1. either of the two external openings of the nose.


nostril British  
/ ˈnɒstrɪl /

noun

  1. either of the two external openings of the nose

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of nostril

before 1000; Middle English nostrill, Old English nosterl, variant of nosthyrl, equivalent to nos ( u ) nose + thyrel hole; thirl

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The putrid smell assaults my nostrils before I see the dark spots and fuzzy green mold.

From Literature

It roared again, and sheets of fire belched from its mouth and nostrils, melting the snow and ice so that steam billowed into the air to mix with flame and choking smoke.

From Literature

Orville Payne was a tall man—so tall that when I looked up at him I could see clear inside his nostrils.

From Literature

Once it sniffed, sending a tiny puff of smoke out of its nostrils.

From Literature

That explosion of tomato and garlic, the ooze of cheese, it erased the smell of bleach that had scorched his nostrils; it filled up the hollow emptiness that yawned in his belly.

From Literature