I. ˈvent verb
Etymology: Middle English, in part from vent (II), in part short for aventen to release (air), from Anglo-French aventer, alteration of Old French esventer to air, from es- ex- (from Latin ex- ) + vent wind, from Latin ventus — more at wind
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to provide with a vent
2.
a. : to serve as a vent for
chimneys vent smoke
b. : discharge , expel
c. : to give often vigorous or emotional expression to
vent ed her frustration on her coworkers
3. : to relieve by means of a vent
vent ed himself in a fiery letter to the editor
intransitive verb
: to relieve oneself by venting something (as anger)
comes home from work and vent s to the kids
Synonyms: see express
II. 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 -ləs adjective
III. noun
Etymology: Middle English vente, alteration of fente, from Middle French, slit, fissure, from fendre to split, from Latin findere — more at bite
Date: 15th century
: a slit in a garment ; specifically : an opening in the lower part of a seam (as of a jacket or skirt)
• vent·less adjective