Nostril vs Nare: How Are These Words Connected?

Have you ever wondered if there is a difference between the words nostril and nare? The answer is yes, but don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. Nostril and nare are both words used to describe the openings in the nose, but nostril is the proper word used in everyday conversation and writing.

Nostril refers to either of the two external openings in the nose that allow air to enter and exit the nasal cavity. Nare is a term used in anatomy to describe the nostrils or nasal passages of animals, specifically mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s dive deeper into the anatomy and function of the nostrils.

Define Nostril

A nostril is a part of the human nose that allows air to enter and exit the respiratory system. It is a small opening located on either side of the nose, which leads to the nasal cavity. The nostrils are responsible for filtering out impurities from the air we breathe, such as dust and pollen. They are also involved in the sense of smell, as they contain olfactory receptors that allow us to detect different scents.

Define Nare

Nare is a term used to describe the nostrils of animals, particularly mammals. Like human nostrils, animal nares are responsible for filtering out impurities from the air, but they also serve other functions. For example, in some animals, such as dogs and cats, the nares are involved in the sense of smell, which is essential for hunting and survival. In birds, the nares are located at the base of the beak and are used for breathing, as well as regulating the temperature and humidity of the air they breathe.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing the anatomy of the nose, it’s important to use the correct terminology to avoid confusion. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words nostril and nare in a sentence.

How To Use Nostril In A Sentence

Nostril refers to either of the two external openings of the nasal cavity in vertebrates. Here are some examples of how to use nostril in a sentence:

• She held a tissue to her nostril to stop the bleeding.
• The scent of lavender filled his nostrils.
• He had a cold and his nostrils were congested.

As you can see, nostril is typically used to refer to one of the two openings in the nose.

How To Use Nare In A Sentence

Nare is a term that is used less frequently than nostril, but it is still important to know how to use it correctly. Nare is the singular form of the word nares, which refers to the nasal openings of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Here are some examples of how to use nare in a sentence:

• The snake flicked its tongue in and out of its nare.
• The bird’s nare was clogged with dirt.
• The frog’s nare allowed it to breathe while submerged in water.

As you can see, nare is typically used to refer to the nasal openings of animals other than mammals.

More Examples Of Nostril & Nare Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between the terms nostril and nare, it is important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Nostril In A Sentence

• The cold air made my nostrils sting.
• He rubbed his nostrils to clear them of dust.
• The aroma of fresh coffee filled my nostrils.
• She had a small piercing in her left nostril.
• His nostrils flared in anger.
• The horse’s nostrils flared as it ran.
• The scent of the flowers tickled my nostrils.
• She wrinkled her nostrils at the smell of the garbage.
• He breathed in deeply through his nostrils.
• The smoke from the fire stung my nostrils.

Examples Of Using Nare In A Sentence

• The bird’s nare was clogged with dirt.
• He used a small brush to clean the horse’s nare.
• The fish’s nare allowed it to sense its surroundings.
• The nare of the elephant was large and impressive.
• She examined the nare of the dog for signs of infection.
• The nare of the crocodile was barely visible above the water.
• The surgeon made a small incision near the patient’s nare.
• The nare of the shark was located on the underside of its snout.
• The bird used its nare to locate its prey.
• The nare of the dolphin was located on top of its head.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the anatomy of the human nose, the terms nostril and nare are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using nostril and nare interchangeably:

Using Nostril When Referring To The Nasal Opening As A Whole

One of the most common mistakes people make is using nostril to refer to the entire nasal opening. The term nostril actually refers to each of the two openings in the nose through which air is breathed in and out. The correct term to use when referring to the nasal opening as a whole is nare.

Using Nare To Refer To The Nostrils Individually

Conversely, another common mistake is using nare to refer to the nostrils individually. As stated above, nare refers to the nasal opening as a whole, while nostril refers to each individual opening. Therefore, it is important to use the correct term depending on the context of the sentence.

Using The Terms Interchangeably

Finally, the most common mistake people make is using the terms nostril and nare interchangeably. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication, as the two terms have distinct meanings. It is important to use the correct term depending on the context of the sentence to ensure clear communication.

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Remember that nostril refers to each individual opening in the nose, while nare refers to the nasal opening as a whole.
• Consider the context of the sentence before using either term.
• When in doubt, use the more general term nasal opening to avoid confusion.

Context Matters

When it comes to discussing the openings in the nose, the terms nostril and nare are often used interchangeably. However, the choice between these two words can depend on the context in which they are used.

Medical Context

In a medical context, the term nare is often used to refer to the nostrils. This is because medical professionals may need to be more specific in their language when discussing the nose and its functions. For example, a doctor might use the term nare when discussing a patient’s nasal passages or when performing a nasal exam.

On the other hand, the term nostril is more commonly used in everyday language to refer to the openings in the nose. For example, someone might say “I have a stuffy nostril” instead of “I have a stuffy nare.”

Cultural Context

The choice between nostril and nare can also depend on cultural context. In some cultures, one term may be more commonly used than the other. For example, in British English, the term “nostril” is more commonly used than “nare.” In contrast, in Indian English, the term “nare” is more commonly used.

Linguistic Context

In linguistic contexts, the choice between nostril and nare can depend on the language being used. For example, in French, the term “narine” is used to refer to the nostrils. Similarly, in Spanish, the term “nariz” is used to refer to the nose, but the term “orificio nasal” is used to refer to the nostrils specifically.

Examples of Contextual Differences Between Nostril and Nare

Context	Nostril	Nare
Medical	Used to refer to the openings in the nose in everyday language	Used to refer to the nasal passages in medical language
Cultural	More commonly used in British English	More commonly used in Indian English
Linguistic	Used in English to refer to the openings in the nose	Used in French to refer to the openings in the nose

Overall, the choice between nostril and nare can depend on a variety of factors, including the context in which they are used. While these terms may be used interchangeably in some situations, it is important to be mindful of how language is used in different contexts.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use nostril when referring to human nasal openings and nare when referring to animal nasal openings, there are a few exceptions where this rule might not apply.

Exceptions For Human Nasal Openings

• Medical Terminology: In medical terminology, the term naris is often used instead of nostril to refer to the human nasal opening. This is because naris is derived from the Latin word for nostril and is considered to be a more precise term.
• Regional Differences: In some regions or dialects, the word nare may be used interchangeably with nostril when referring to human nasal openings. For example, in some parts of the United States, people may say “nare” instead of “nostril.”

Exceptions For Animal Nasal Openings

• Scientific Terminology: In scientific terminology, the term nostril is often used to refer to animal nasal openings, even though the general rule is to use nare. This is because nostril is a more commonly recognized term and is easier to understand for non-scientific audiences.
• Contextual Usage: In some cases, the context of the sentence may dictate the use of nostril or nare when referring to animal nasal openings. For example, if the sentence is discussing the anatomy of a bird, it may be more appropriate to use nare instead of nostril.

It is important to note that while these exceptions exist, it is still generally recommended to follow the rule of using nostril for human nasal openings and nare for animal nasal openings in most cases.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between nostril and nare, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct term (nostril or nare) to fill in the blank in each sentence.

1. She had a cold and could only breathe through one ________.
2. The bird’s ________ were flaring as it took flight.
3. He pinched his ________ shut to avoid the bad smell.
4. The doctor examined her ________ with a flashlight.

Answer Key:

1. nostril
2. nares
3. nostrils
4. nares

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the correct term (nostril or nare).

1. When I have a cold, my ________ get stuffed up.
2. Snakes use their ________ to detect prey.
3. She felt a tickle in her ________ and sneezed loudly.
4. The horse snorted, flaring its ________.

Answer Key:

1. nostrils
2. nares
3. nostril
4. nares

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of nostril and nare in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and usage of these terms to ensure you are using them correctly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between nostril and nare, it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. Nostril refers to each of the two external openings of the nose, whereas nare refers to each of the two nasal passages. Understanding the proper usage of these terms can help to enhance clarity and precision in language use.

When it comes to grammar and language use, every detail counts. Whether you are writing a formal document or having a casual conversation, using the correct terminology can make all the difference. By continuing to learn and refine your language skills, you can become a more effective communicator and improve your overall writing and speaking abilities.