I. ˈsnȯ(ə)rt, -ȯ(ə)t, usu -d.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English snorten; probably akin to Middle English snoren to snore — more at snore
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to force air violently through the nose with a rough harsh sound
a drover's pony … sipped the water, snorting at its own shadow — Alice Duncan-Kemp
b. : to express scorn, anger, indignation, or surprise by a snort
has been known to snort impatiently at public acknowledgments of his skill — R.L.Taylor
2. obsolete : snore
3.
a. : to emit explosive sounds like or in the manner of a snort
the bleating and snorting lyricism of the saxophone — F.J.Mather
b. : to travel with snoring or roaring sounds
an old car was snorting along the road without a muffler — Elizabeth Pollet
the first iron horse that ever snorted up these mountains — A.W.Long
4. : to take in a drug by inhalation
transitive verb
1. : to utter with or express by a snort
the horse snorted his relief at the removal of the heavy, burdened saddle and accouterments — Zane Grey
2. : to expel or emit with or as if with snorts
a horse snorting grass pollen out of his nostrils — H.L.Davis
3. : to inhale (a narcotic drug in powdered form) through the nostrils
Synonyms: see exclaim
II. noun
( -s )
1. : an act or sound of snorting
gave an astonished snort of laughter — Kay Boyle
was mingled with deep, hoarse snorts, and we knew that we had disturbed one of the big red deer — William Beebe
2. : a drink of usually straight liquor taken in one draft
3. Britain : snorkel 1