Pronunciation: [snˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The word "snout" is spelled with a silent "o". Its IPA transcription is /snaʊt/. The "s" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar sibilant, followed by the blend of "n" and "a" which sounds like /na/. The "ou" is pronounced as /aʊ/, which is a diphthong sound. Lastly, the "t" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar stop. The word describes the long and projecting nose of certain mammals, such as pigs, dogs, and anteaters.
A snout refers to the prominent, elongated, and projecting part of an animal's face that extends beyond its mouth. It is commonly observed in mammals such as pigs, dogs, and elephants. The snout is primarily composed of the nose, upper lip, and the surrounding structures. It is a crucial sensory organ for many animals, serving various functions depending on the species.
For instance, in pigs, the snout is characterized by a flexible cartilage that allows for digging, rooting, and exploring the ground for food. Since pigs have a keen sense of smell, their snouts help them locate and unearth buried food items like roots, insects, and truffles. Similarly, dogs possess a snout that serves as an organ for an acute sense of smell, allowing them to track scents, detect substances, and even aid in search and rescue operations.
In some cases, the snout may also be utilized as a tool for self-defense or offense. Elephants use their trunk as an elongated snout to grasp objects, communicate, and spray water or dust. The snouts of certain reptiles, such as crocodiles and alligators, are used for hunting and catching prey by sensing vibrations in the water.
Overall, the snout is an integral facial feature found in certain animals, primarily mammals, which aids in sensory perception, food acquisition, communication, and survival in their respective habitats.
• The projecting nose of a beast; the human nose, in contempt; the nozzle of a pipe.
• To furnish with a nozzle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "snout" is derived from the Old English word "snūt", which is also closely related to the Old Norse word "snutr". Both of these words simply referred to the nose of animals. The term "snout" has been used to describe the elongated or projecting nose or muzzle of certain mammals, including various animals like pigs, dogs, and some types of fish. The word itself dates back to at least the 13th century.
