naris

noun

na·​ris ˈner-əs How to pronounce naris (audio)
ˈna-rəs
variants or less commonly nare
plural nares ˈner-ˌēz How to pronounce naris (audio)
ˈna-ˌrēz
see usage paragraph below
: either of the pair of openings of the nose or nasal cavity
Usage of Naris and Nare

The spelling naris is the more usual singular form of this noun. The singular spelling variant nare is a back-formation from the plural form nares. As such, nare is often criticized, but it does appear occasionally in published, edited medical sources.

Examples of naris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The ravenous larvae then feed on their victims’ keratin, tissue and blood, eventually moving from the nares to feed externally on the developing birds. Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 13 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin nāris, plural nārēs "nostril"; akin to Latin nāsus "nose" — more at nose entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naris was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near naris

Cite this Entry

“Naris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naris. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

naris

noun
na·​ris ˈner-əs How to pronounce naris (audio)
plural nares -(ˌ)ēz How to pronounce naris (audio)
: either of the pair of openings of the nose
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