sniff test

English

Pronunciation

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Etymology 1

The figurative sense is a metaphorical extension from the literal sense.

Noun

sniff test (plural sniff tests)

  1. (idiomatic, figurative) An informal check of an idea or proposal, using one's common sense or sense of propriety.
    Synonyms: smell test, nose test
    Coordinate term: smoke test
    Near-synonyms: reality check, sanity check, sanity test
    but does it pass the sniff test?
    but it doesn't pass the sniff test
  2. (literal) An inspection of an object using the sense of smell, as for freshness of food or cleanliness of clothing.
    Synonyms: smell test, nose test

Etymology 2

Noun

sniff test (plural sniff tests)

  1. A fluoroscopic medical test during which the examinee is asked to "sniff" (quickly breathe in through the nose); diaphragm fluoroscopy.
    • 1995, Charis Roussos, The Thorax: Disease, page 1771:
      The most reliable radiographic maneuver to detect paradoxical movement is the sniff test, consisting of rapidly repeated inspirations through the nostrils during fluoroscopy.
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