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sniff
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- pronunciation:
- snIf
- parts of speech:
- intransitive verb, transitive verb, noun
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
inflections: |
sniffs, sniffing, sniffed |
definition 1: |
to take in short, audible breaths of air through the nose.
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definition 2: |
to smell an odor with short inhalations through the nose.
The dog was sniffing at the scent.- similar words:
- smell
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definition 3: |
to express contempt or lack of approval or respect (usu. fol. by at).
They sniffed at my attempts to apologize. |
related words: |
rout, smell |
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part of speech: |
transitive verb |
definition 1: |
to draw into the nose or smell with short inhalations.
They tasted and sniffed the powdery substance.- similar words:
- smell
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definition 2: |
to sense or detect; perceive.
We could sniff the difficulties that lay ahead of us.- similar words:
- root, smell
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related words: |
rout, scent |
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part of speech: |
noun |
definition 1: |
a short inhalation of air through the nose, esp. one that can be heard.
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definition 2: |
a faint odor, aroma, or trace.
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related words: |
odor, waft |
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derivation: |
sniffer (n.) |
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