nose test

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nose test

/ˈnəʊz tɛst/ UK
/ˈnoʊz ˌtɛst/ US

Where it comes from

From nose (noun) + test (noun).

noun nose tests

An inspection of the nasal passages or a trial of their function, as for breathing difficulties or olfactory ability. Near-synonym: smell test
Similar: smell test
An inspection of an object by smelling it, as for cleanliness of clothing or freshness of food. Make the "nose test" sniffing for fumes, before starting engines.
Similar: smell test
figuratively An informal check of whether an idea or proposal is credible, ethical, etc., using one's common sense or sense of propriety. Near-synonyms: reality check; sanity check, sanity test
Similar: reality check, sanity check, sanity test

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MLA

"nose test." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/nose%20test. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

nose test. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/nose%20test

Chicago

"nose test." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/nose%20test.

BibTeX

@misc{nose_test_2026,
  title = {nose test},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/nose%20test},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}