First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1nasal
noun na·sal \ˈnā-zəl\
Definition of NASAL
1
: the nosepiece of a helmet
2
: a nasal part
3
: a nasal consonant
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Origin of NASAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from nes nose, from Latin nasus — more at nose
2nasal
adjective
: of or relating to the nose
: produced by pushing air out through the nose when you speak
: producing nasal sounds
Full Definition of NASAL
1
: of or relating to the nose
2
a : uttered with the soft palate lowered and with passage of air through the nose (as with \m\, \n\, \ŋ\, \ōⁿ\, or \aⁿ\) b : characterized by resonance produced through the nose
3
of a musical tone : sharp, penetrating
— na·sal·i·ty \nā-ˈza-lə-tē\ noun
— na·sal·ly \ˈnā-zə-lē, ˈnāz-lē\ adverb
See nasal defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NASAL
1656
NASAL Defined for Kids
nasal
adjective na·sal \ˈnā-zəl\
Definition of NASAL for Kids
1
: of or relating to the nose <the nasal passages>
2
: uttered with the nose passage open <The consonants \m\, \n\, and \ŋ\ are nasal.>
— na·sal·ly adverb
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