VENT

n. & v. --n. 1 (also vent-hole) a hole or opening allowing motion of air etc. out of or into a confined space. 2 an outlet; free passage or play (gave vent to their indignation). 3 the anus esp. of a lower animal, serving for both excretion and reproduction. 4 the venting of an otter, beaver, etc. 5 an aperture or outlet through which volcanic products are discharged at the earth's surface. 6 a touch-hole of a gun. 7 a finger-hole in a musical instrument. 8 a flue of a chimney. --v. 1 tr. a make a vent in (a cask etc.). b provide (a machine) with a vent. 2 tr. give vent or free expression to (vented my anger on the cat). 3 intr. (of an otter or beaver) come to the surface for breath. øvent one's spleen on scold or ill-treat without cause. øøventless adj. [partly F vent f. L ventus wind, partly F ÷vent f. ÷venter expose to air f. OF esventer ult. f. L ventus wind]