nose

I. 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

> II. verb (nosed; nosing) 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

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