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blowhole

 - 2 dictionary results

blow⋅hole

  [bloh-hohl]
Use blowhole in a Sentence
–noun
1. an air or gas vent, esp. one to carry off fumes from a tunnel, underground passage, etc.
2. 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.
3. a hole in the ice to which whales or seals come to breathe.
4. Metallurgy. a defect in a casting or ingot caused by the escape of gas.
5. Geology. a hole in a sea cliff or coastal terrace through which columns of spray are jetted upward.
Origin:
1685–95; blow 2 + hole
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To blowhole
blow·hole   (blō'hōl')   
n.  

  1. An opening or one of a pair of openings for breathing, located on the top of the head of cetaceans, such as whales and dolphins. The blowhole is opened by muscles upon surfacing and closed by the pressure of water upon diving.

  2. A hole in ice to which aquatic mammals, such as dolphins, come to breathe.

  3. A vent to permit the escape of air or other gas.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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