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sniff test. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
sniff test, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
sniff test in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
sniff test you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
The figurative sense is a metaphorical extension from the literal sense.
Noun
sniff test (plural sniff tests)
- (idiomatic, figurative) An informal check of an idea or proposal, using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
- Synonyms: smell test, nose test
- Coordinate term: smoke test
- Near-synonyms: reality check, sanity check, sanity test
but does it pass the sniff test?
but it doesn't pass the sniff test
- (literal) An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food or cleanliness of clothing.
- Synonyms: smell test, nose test
Etymology 2
Noun
sniff test (plural sniff tests)
- A fluoroscopic medical test during which the examinee is asked to "sniff" (quickly breathe in through the nose); diaphragm fluoroscopy.
1995, Charis Roussos, The Thorax: Disease, page 1771:The most reliable radiographic maneuver to detect paradoxical movement is the sniff test, consisting of rapidly repeated inspirations through the nostrils during fluoroscopy.