n.
Pronunciation: ' n ō z
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nosu; akin to Old High German nasa nose, Latin nasus
Date: before 12th century
1 a : the part of the face that bears the nostrils and covers the anterior part of the nasal cavity broadly : this part together with the nasal cavity b : the anterior part of the head at the top or end of the muzzle : SNOUT , PROBOSCIS
2 a : the sense of smell : OLFACTION b : AROMA , BOUQUET
3 : the vertebrate olfactory organ
4 a : the forward end or projection of something b : the projecting or working end of a tool
5 : the stem of a boat or its protective metal covering
6 a : the nose as a symbol of prying or meddling curiosity or interference b : a knack for discovery or understanding <a keen nose for absurdity>
– on the nose
1 a : at or to a target point <the bombs landed right on the nose > b (1) : on target : ACCURATE (2) : ACCURATELY
2 : to win ― used of horse or dog racing bets
– under one's nose : extremely near to one <the answer was right under our noses > also : brazenly in or as if in one's presence <embezzling funds right under his nose >