vent1

 
Pronunciation: /vɛnt/

noun

  • 1an opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass out of or into a confined space: an air vent
  • the opening of a volcano, through which lava and other materials are emitted: pumice fragments pile up to form a conical heap round the vent
  • chiefly Scottish a flue of a chimney.
  • historical the touch hole of a gun.
  • the anus, especially one in a lower animal such as a fish that serves for both excretion and reproduction.
  • 2 [mass noun] the release or expression of a strong emotion, energy, etc.: children give vent to their anger in various ways

verb

[with object]
  • 1give free expression to (a strong emotion): we vent our spleen on drug barons
  • 2provide with an outlet for air, gas, or liquid: tumble-dryers must be vented to the outside
  • discharge or expel (air, gas, or liquid) through an outlet: the plant was isolated and the gas vented
  • permit air to enter (a beer cask): once the beer has been vented, the cask must be sold within three or four days

Derivatives

vented

adjective

ventless

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: partly from French vent 'wind', from Latin ventus, reinforced by French évent, from éventer 'expose to air', based on Latin ventus 'wind'