DictionarysnuffPowdered tobacco
noun

snuff

An intake of air through the nose.

The dog gives a quick snuff and follows the scent.

Etymology

The breathing word imitates or evokes drawing air through the nose. It is separate from the candle-wick word, despite their shared spelling.

More examples

  • With a snuff, she checks whether the milk smells sour.
  • He takes a sharp snuff before blowing his nose.
  • The puppy investigates my shoes with several curious snuffs.

Forms

snuff · snuffs

Similar words

sniff
The usual word for a short intake through the nose.
inhalation
Any drawing in of air, through the nose or mouth.