I. ˈnäzəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: diminutive of nose
1. : a socket on a candlestick or sconce into which the lower end of a candle fits
2.
a. : a projecting vent of something : a small spout or other projecting part with an opening
the nozzle of a bellows
the nozzle of a gun
b. : a short tube or duct that usually tapers or has a constriction, often forms the vent of a hose or pipe, and is used to direct the flow of fluid or to increase the velocity of flow
delivery of fuel to an injection nozzle at each engine cylinder — William Landon
c. : any of several channels through which steam or gas is conveyed to the rotor vanes of a turbine
d. : a part in a rocket engine that accelerates the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to a high velocity
3. slang : nose
longed to clout him in the nozzle — J.H.Wheelwright
II. verb
( nozzled ; nozzled ; nozzling -z(ə)liŋ ; nozzles )
transitive verb
1. : to furnish with a nozzle or something resembling a nozzle
2. : to press the nose against
pawing and nozzling some remnants of fodder — J.L.Allen
3. : to spray or eject through or as if through a nozzle
seemed as though every gun … nozzled a cone of fire at it — H.M.Forgy
intransitive verb
: to nose about
hungry birds will force their way into broken reeds … to spatter and nozzle for food — Pall Mall Magazine