n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, anus, outlet, probably from Anglo-French, wind, draft, outlet
Date: 15th century
1 : an opening for the escape of a gas or liquid or for the relief of pressure: as a : the external opening of the rectum or cloaca : ANUS b (1) : PIPE 3C , FUMAROLE (2) : HYDROTHERMAL VENT c : an opening at the breech of a muzzle-loading gun through which fire is touched to the powder d chiefly Scottish : CHIMNEY , FLUE
2 : an opportunity or means of escape, passage, or release : OUTLET <finally gave vent to his pent-up hostility>
– vent · less \ -l ə s \ adjective