~ 1
■ noun
1》 an opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass out of or into a confined space.
↘the opening of a volcano, through which lava and other materials are emitted.
↘ chiefly Scottish a flue of a chimney.
2》 (usu. in phr. give ~ to ) release or expression of a strong emotion, energy, etc.
3》 the anus of a lower animal such as a fish, serving for both excretion and reproduction.
4》 historical the touch hole of a gun.
■ verb
1》 give free expression to (a strong emotion).
2》 discharge or expel (air, gas, or liquid) through an outlet.
↘provide with an outlet for air, gas, or liquid.
↘permit air to enter (a beer cask).
Derivatives
~ed adjective
~less adjective
Origin
ME: partly from Fr. ~ 'wind', from L. ~us , reinforced by Fr. é~ , from é~er 'expose to air'.
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~ 2
■ noun a slit in a garment, especially in the lower part of the seam at the back of a coat.
Origin
ME: alt. of dialect fent , from OFr. fente 'slit', based on L. findere 'cleave'.