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anterior naris

anterior naris

7.1
One of the two outer openings of the nose that let air in
  • noun
  • /ænˈtɪr.i.ər ˈnɛər.ɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : naris anterior
  • During the medical examination, the doctor inspected the anterior naris for any signs of infection.

Examples

  • Obstruction of the anterior naris can make breathing difficult for patients.

  • A cotton swab was gently inserted into the anterior naris to collect a sample.

  • The anterior naris is crucial for breathing.

  • Each anterior naris plays a role in filtering air.

  • During the examination, the doctor noted that the anterior naris was clear of any obstruction.

  • Each anterior naris helps to filter and humidify the air we breathe.

  • Patients with swelling in the anterior naris may experience difficulty in breathing.

Synonyms

nostril
vsanterior naris
72 1.0

One of the two small openings in the nose that let air in and out

is the opening that leads into the nasal cavity rather than only allowing exit
naris
vsanterior naris
  • Specialized
9.9

One of the two openings in the nose that let air in while breathing

is the opening that leads into the nasal cavity rather than only indicating entry

Surface Forms

anterior naris singular

Morphology

anterior + naris

The meaning 'nostril' is directly derivable from combining 'anterior' (toward the front) with 'naris' (nasal opening); a learner who knows both constituents can infer it. This is a literal anatomical compound with compositional semantics and parallels in other languages, so it is immediately interpretable.

Etymology

Anterior naris comes from old Latin words: anterior meaning 'front' and naris meaning 'nostril'. So anterior naris simply refers to the front opening of the nose, which is why doctors use it to mean a nostril.