English Reference
Noun

nozzle

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈnɑzəɫ/ UK /nˈɒzəl/ noz·zle UK spelling nozzles

n.a small part at the end of a pipe or hose that controls how liquid or gas comes out. You use it to aim the spray or change how strong the flow is.

n.a projecting part with an opening, often at the end of a pipe or tube, used to direct or control the flow of a fluid. Typically designed to increase velocity or regulate the spray pattern.


SIMPLE

He pointed the nozzle of the hose at the flowers.

CONTEXTUAL

The firefighter adjusted the nozzle to create a wide mist instead of a powerful stream.

COMPLEX

Precision engineering of the fuel injection nozzle ensures that the petrol is atomised into a fine spray, allowing for more efficient combustion within the engine cylinder.

Usage

Often used with verbs like 'adjust', 'point', or 'clog'.


From Middle English noselle, equivalent to nose + -le (diminutive suffix).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English noselle
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated