Blowhole


an air or gas vent, especially one to carry off fumes from a tunnel, underground passage, etc.
either of two nostrils or spiracles, or a single one, at the top of the head in whales and other cetaceans, through which they breathe.
a hole in the ice to which whales or seals come to breathe.
Metallurgy. a defect in a casting or ingot caused by the escape of gas.
Geology. a hole in a sea cliff or coastal terrace through which columns of spray are jetted upward.
Historical Examples

Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic Stephen Leatherwood
The Beaked Whales of the Family Ziphidae Frederick True
Scientific American Supplement No. 819 Various
Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic Stephen Leatherwood

noun
the nostril, paired or single, of whales, situated far back on the skull
a hole in ice through which whales, seals, etc, breathe

a vent for air or gas, esp to release fumes from a tunnel, passage, etc
(NZ) a hole emitting gas or steam in a volcanic region

a bubble-like defect in an ingot resulting from gas being trapped during solidification
(geology) a hole in a cliff top leading to a sea cave through which air is forced by the action of the sea
n.

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