nose test

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word nose test. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word nose test, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say nose test in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word nose test you have here. The definition of the word nose test will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofnose test, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Etymology

Suggesting the identification of something by how it smells.

Pronunciation

Noun

nose test (plural nose tests)

  1. (idiomatic) An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
    Synonyms: smell test, sniff test
    Coordinate term: smoke test
    Near-synonyms: sanity test, sanity check; reality check
    • 1991 March 26, Josh Barbanel, “Access Is Money for City Hall Lobbyists”, in New York Times, retrieved 7 Feb. 2009:
      In many cases, said Henry J. Stern, the president of the Citizens Union, a civic group, and a former city Parks Commissioner, "you have to apply the nose test." "Does it smell?" he said, referring to such deals. "Is it based on a personal relationship? Does it run contrary to the city's interest?"
  2. An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food or cleanliness of clothing.
    Synonyms: smell test, sniff test
    • 1975 June 30, Bob Bender, “Safety Checklist While Boating”, in St. Petersburg Times, retrieved 7 Feb. 2009:
      Make the "nose test" sniffing for fumes, before starting engines.
  3. (physiology) An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties or olfactory ability.
    Near-synonym: smell test
    • 2004 November 8, Helen Fields, “Rub your nose in it”, in U.S. News & World Report, retrieved 7 Feb. 2009:
      The pollen blocker cream appeared to help; after using the cream, people did better on the nose test.

See also

Anagrams