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   sniff

   /snɪf/

   verb

   • 1. draw up air audibly through the nose to detect a smell, to stop it running, or to express contempt: "his dog sniffed at my trousers" Similar inhalesnufflebreathe insnuff (up)
   • ▪ draw in (a scent, substance, or air) through the nose: "Miranda sniffed the heavy perfume of the lilies" Similar smelltest the smell ofnose atdetect the smell ofpick up the smell ofcatch the scent ofscentget a whiff of
   • ▪ investigate covertly, especially in an attempt to find out confidential or incriminating information about someone: "a couple of journalists are sniffing around"
   • ▪ discover something by investigation: "he made millions sniffing out tax loopholes for companies"

   noun

   • 1. an act or sound of sniffing: "he gave a sniff of disapproval" Similar snuffle
   • ▪ an amount of air or other substance taken up by sniffing: "his drug use was confined to a sniff of amyl nitrite" Similar smellscentwhifflungful
   • ▪ a hint or sign: "they're off at the first sniff of trouble" Similar indicationhintintimationwhiffinklingsuggestionsuspicionwhispertracesignalsigncluegleamwind
   • ▪ a small chance: "the Olympic hosts will at least get a sniff at a medal"

   Word Origin Middle English: imitative.

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • S

     1

   • N

     1

   • I

     1

   • F

     4

   • F

     4

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