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nostril

1. (Science: anatomy) 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.

In sperm whales, porpoises, and allied animals, there is only one nostril, which is situated on the top of the head and called a spiracle.

2. Perception; insight; acuteness. Methinks a man Of your sagacity and clear nostril should Have made another choice. (B. Jonson)

Origin: OE. Nosethril, nosethirl, AS. Nospyrl; nos for nosu nose _ pyrel opening, hole, from pyrel pierced, for pyrhel, fr. Purh through. See Nose, and Through, and cf. Thrill.