Nostril Meaning and Definition
Nostril
Pronunciation
/ˈnɒstrɪl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A human nose opening, either of the two flaps at the entrance of the nostrils through which air is breathed in and out.
Examples
- She blew her nose to clear her nostril.
- The athlete was struggling to breathe through her congested nostrils.
Synonyms
- Nostrils
- Nose
Etymology
The word “nostril” comes from the Latin “nasus”, meaning “nose”, and the suffix “-il”, which is used to form diminutive nouns.
Additional Information
Nostrils play a critical role in the human respiratory system, filtering the air we breathe and warming it to a comfortable temperature. They are also essential for the sense of smell, as they contain tiny hairs called cilia that help detect odor molecules.
It is important to keep nostrils clean and healthy to maintain good respiratory function and overall well-being. This can be achieved by using nasal sprays or rinses, and avoiding exposure to pollutants or irritants.
Usage Notes
When referring to a specific nostril, it is common to use the word “left” or “right” to specify which one is being referred to. For example, “I pinched my left nostril to breathe more easily.”
Cultural References
The word “nostril” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, poetry, and music. For example, in his poem “The Rape of the Lock”, Alexander Pope refers to the “nostrils breathing soft despair”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Blow your nose” is a common idiomatic expression that means to clear your nostrils of mucus or other debris.
Related Words or Phrases
Other related words and phrases include “nose”, “nostrils”, “breath”, “respiratory”, and “airways”.
Collocations
Collocations include “blow your nose”, “clear your nostrils”, “breath through your nostrils”, and “pinch your nostrils”.
Frequency of Use
The word “nostril” is a relatively common word in everyday language, particularly in the context of respiratory health and hygiene.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “nostril” include “nosteril”, “noseril”, and “nassil”.