n.
Pronunciation: ' sner
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sneare, probably from Old Norse snara; akin to Old High German snuor cord and perhaps to Greek nark ē numbness
Date: before 12th century
1 a (1) : a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals (2) : TRAP , GIN b (1) : something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded (2) : something deceptively attractive
2 [probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord; akin to Old High German snuor ] a : one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum b : SNARE DRUM
3 : a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils)