vent

vent

vent¹ [vent]

n.

[ME venten < OFr venter, to blow (or aphetic < OFr esventer, to expose to the air, let out < es-, out + venter) < VL * ventare < L ventus,WIND²]

1. Rare the action of escaping or passing out, or the means or opportunity to do this; issue; outlet

2. expression; release [giving vent to emotion]

3.

a) a small hole or opening to permit passage or escape, as of a gas

☆ b) a small triangular window or, now esp., an opening on or beneath the dashboard, for letting air into the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle

4. in early guns, the small hole at the breech through which a spark passes to set off the charge

5. the opening in a volcano from which gas and molten rock erupt

6. Zool. the excretory opening in animals; esp., the external opening of the cloaca in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes

vt.

1. to make a vent in or provide a vent for

2. to allow (steam, gas, etc.) to escape through an opening

3. to give release or expression to

4. to relieve or unburden by giving vent to feelings [to vent oneself in curses]

vent² [vent]

n.

[ME vent, altered (infl. by VENT¹) < fente < OFr < VL * findita, fem. pp., for L fissus, pp. of findere, to split: see FISSION]

a vertical slit in a garment, esp. one put in the back or sides of a coat

vt.

to make a vent or vents in