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snout Definition

snout (sno̵ut)

noun

    1. the projecting nose and jaws, or muzzle, of an animal
    2. an anterior prolongation of the head resembling this, as in a weevil; rostrum
  2. something like an animal's snout, as a nozzle
  3. Informal a human nose, esp. a large one

Etymology: ME snoute, prob. < MDu snute, akin to Ger schnauze < IE base *snā-, *sneu-, to drip fluid, wetness > L natare, to swim, nutrire, to nurse

snout Synonyms

snout

n.

muzzle, proboscis, nozzle; see nose 1.

snout Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • elongate: The anthropomorphic mask has a square forehead and an elongated snout, resembling Olmec and Izapan deity masks ( Norman 1976 Figs.
  • have: A typical Tamworth has the longest snout of the present day domestic breeds.
  • protrude: They have a large, broad head and a protruding snout.
  • upturn: One of the hoverflies had an upturned snout indicating the genus Rhingia.
  • pass: Passing the snout of the Khumbu Glacier, we reach a line of memorials to Sherpas who have died on Everest.

Adjective modifier

  • pointed: The sea dragon's face resembled a fan, its features radiating from its pointed snout.
  • blunt: Their faces are very peculiar, with eyes positioned backward in the head close to very small ears and long, blunt snouts.
  • narrow: Whirling through the water like a barrel comes a rotund ciliate which appears to have a long, narrow snout or nose.
  • long: A typical Tamworth has the longest snout of the present day domestic breeds.
  • short: They do not have a tail fin and cannot really be mistaken for anything else, if only because of their short snub snout.
  • rounded: Yet the Swift manages to look individual in a complex world, and that rounded snout gives errant pedestrians a sporting chance of survival.

Modifies a noun

  • baron: What a brilliant use of the term ' snout baron ' by Simon Hoggart in the Guardian today.
  • butterfly: A long snout butterfly fish has come up from the depths to make the back seat of the plane its home.
  • psaltery: The picture here is of a bird sitting on what seems to be a cross between a box and a pigs snout psaltery.

Noun used with modifier

  • glacier: It was the only landing place which we saw as we sailed pass all the steep cliffs and glacier snouts.
  • pig: The picture here is of a bird sitting on what seems to be a cross between a box and a pigs snout psaltery.

Possessives

  • pig: Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.

Preposition: in

  • trough: I can tell you that there are no " snouts in the trough " in my party, nor have there ever been.
  • air: Few will be unmoved when a badger pauses, with a paw half cocked, and raises its snout in the air.

Preposition: of

  • glacier: At the next station you may get a good view of the snout of a glacier.
snout Quotes

   For thof ye had as wise a snout on As Shakespeare or Sir Isaac Newton, Your judgement fouk wou'd hae a doubt on, I'll tak myaith, Till they cou'd see ye wi'a suit on O'gude Braid Claith.

—Fergusson, Robert