I. ˈnōz 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
- under one's nose
II. verb
( nosed ; nos·ing )
Date: circa 1587
transitive verb
1. : to detect by or as if by smell : scent
2.
a. : to push or move with the nose
b. : to move (as a vehicle) ahead slowly or cautiously
nosed my car into the parking space
3. : to touch or rub with the nose : nuzzle
intransitive verb
1. : to use the nose in examining, smelling, or showing affection
2.
a. : to search impertinently : pry
b. : poke 2a
3. : to move ahead slowly or cautiously
the boat nosed around the bend
4. : to move the forward end in a specified direction
the plane nosed up
5. : to advance into a slight lead
the car nosed ahead on the final stretch