Definition of nostril Nostril

/nɑˈstɹɪl/ - [nastril] - nos•tril

We found 8 definitions of nostril from 7 different sources.

What does nostril mean?

Noun Plural: nostrils
nostril - either one of the two external openings to the nasal cavity in the nose
		anterior naris
		naris any of the openings to the nasal cavities that allow air to flow through the cavities to the pharynx

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nostril (Noun)
Either of the two orifices located on the nose or on the beak of a bird; used as a passage for air and other gases to travel the nasal passages.

nostril (n.)
One of the external openings of the nose, which give passage to the air breathed and to secretions from the nose and eyes; one of the anterior nares.
nostril (n.)
Perception; insight; acuteness.

nostril
Either of the two orifices located on the nose (or on the beak of a bird); used as a passage for air and other gases to travel the nasal passages.

nostril
nos′tril, n. one of the openings of the nose. [M. E. nosethirl—A.S. nosthyrl—nosu, nose, thyrel, opening. Cf. Drill, to pierce, and Thrill.]

A nostril (or naris, pl. "nares") is one of the two channels of the nose, from the point where they bifurcate to the external opening.

In birds and mammals, they contain branched bones or cartilages called turbinates, whose function is to warm air on inhalation and remove moisture on exhalation. Fish do not breathe through their noses, but they do have two small holes used for smelling which may be called nostrils.

In humans, the nasal cycle means that during the course of a day, the nostrils will switch over approximately every four hours or so, meaning that only one nostril is used at any one time.