blowhole

[ bloh-hohl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an air or gas vent, especially one to carry off fumes from a tunnel, underground passage, etc.
either of two nostrils or spiracles, or a single one, at the top of the head in whales and other cetaceans, through which they breathe.
a hole in the ice to which whales or seals come to breathe.
Metallurgy. a defect in a casting or ingot caused by the escape of gas.
Geology. a hole in a sea cliff or coastal terrace through which columns of spray are jetted upward.

blowhole

/ ˈbləʊˌhəʊl /

the nostril, paired or single, of whales, situated far back on the skull
a hole in ice through which whales, seals, etc, breathe
1. a vent for air or gas, esp to release fumes from a tunnel, passage, etc
2. a hole emitting gas or steam in a volcanic region
a bubble-like defect in an ingot resulting from gas being trapped during solidification
geology a hole in a cliff top leading to a sea cave through which air is forced by the action of the sea

First recorded in 1685–95; blow ² + hole

The single blowhole is located well to the left of the midline and far forward on the head.

The huge, distinctly box-shaped head and the position of the single blowhole to the left front of the head are unmistakable clues.

The body is long and slender, and the head is narrow and gently tapered from the area of the blowhole forward.

In any case, be careful to leave the blowhole free so that the animal can breathe.

The blowhole was large and somewhat unsymmetrically placed, the right angle being the more anterior.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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