vent1
¦ noun
1. an opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass out of or into a confined space.
the opening of a volcano, through which lava and other materials are emitted.
chiefly Scottish a flue of a chimney.
2. (usu. in phr. give vent to) release or expression of a strong emotion, energy, etc.
3. the anus of a lower animal such as a fish, serving for both excretion and reproduction.
4. historical the touch hole of a gun.
¦ verb
1. give free expression to (a strong emotion).
2. discharge or expel (air, gas, or liquid) through an outlet.
provide with an outlet for air, gas, or liquid.
permit air to enter (a beer cask).
Derivatives
vented adjective
ventless adjective
Origin
ME: partly from Fr. vent 'wind', from L. ventus, reinforced by Fr. event, from eventer 'expose to air'.
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vent2
¦ noun a slit in a garment, especially in the lower part of the seam at the back of a coat.
Origin
ME: alt. of dialect fent, from OFr. fente 'slit', based on L. findere 'cleave'.