- vent
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I. verb
Etymology: Middle English, in part from 2vent, in part short for aventen to release (air), from Anglo-French aventer, alteration of Old French esventer to air, from es- ex- (from Latin ex-) + vent wind, from Latin ventus — more at wind
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. to provide with a vent
2.
a. to serve as a vent for <chimneys vent smoke> b. discharge, expel c. to give often vigorous or emotional expression to <vented her frustration on her coworkers> 3. to relieve by means of a vent <vented himself in a fiery letter to the editor> intransitive verb to relieve oneself by venting something (as anger) <comes home from work and vents to the kids> Synonyms: see express II. noun Etymology: Middle English, anus, outlet, probably from Anglo-French, wind, draft, outlet Date: 15th century 1. an opening for the escape of a gas or liquid or for the relief of pressure: as a. the external opening of the rectum or cloaca ; anus b. (1) pipe 3c, fumarole (2) hydrothermal vent c. an opening at the breech of a muzzle-loading gun through which fire is touched to the powder d. chiefly Scottish chimney, flue 2. an opportunity or means of escape, passage, or release ; outlet <finally gave vent to his pent-up hostility> • ventless adjective III. noun Etymology: Middle English vente, alteration of fente, from Middle French, slit, fissure, from fendre to split, from Latin findere — more at bite Date: 15th century a slit in a garment; specifically an opening in the lower part of a seam (as of a jacket or skirt) • ventless adjective
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.