sniffer etymology

Etymology

The word "sniffer" is derived from the verb "sniff," which means to inhale sharply through the nose. The word "sniff" is ultimately derived from the Middle Low German word "snüffeln," meaning "to sniffle" or "to sniff."

Meaning and Origin

A "sniffer" is a device or person that detects or searches for something by means of the sense of smell. Sniffers are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Detecting chemical odors: Sniffers can be used to detect the presence of specific chemical odors, such as those emitted by explosives, drugs, or hazardous materials.
• Tracking animals: Sniffers can be used to track animals by following their scent. This is often used for hunting, search and rescue operations, and crime scene investigations.
• Medical diagnosis: Sniffers can be used to detect certain diseases or conditions by smelling the patient's bodily fluids or breath.

The earliest use of the term "sniffer" in the context of a device dates back to the early 19th century. In 1819, the English inventor William Henry invented a device called a "gas sniffer" that was used to detect leaks in gas lines. In the late 19th century, the term "sniffer" began to be used to describe devices that were used to detect explosives.

Today, sniffers are commonly used by law enforcement, military personnel, and security professionals. They are also used in a variety of other fields, such as healthcare, environmental protection, and food safety.

sniffer relate terms

• sniff

  Etymology Middle English sniffen from Old English snifian or snofian Cognate with Old

• snivel

  Etymology Middle English snivelen sniveling Old English snot from the Proto Germani

• mortal

  Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea

• person

  Etymology Latin persona meaning mask or character in a play Meaning An indiv

• soul

  Etymology The word soul traces its origins to the Proto Indo European root h₂enh₂

• individual

  Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

• somebody

  Etymology Some indefinite pronoun Middle English sum or som from Old English

• surreptitious

  Etymology Surreptitious originates from the Latin word surrepticius which means sto

• sequester

  Etymology Late Latin sequestrare to remove set apart from Latin se apart quaere

• intuition

  Etymology and Meaning Intuition comes from the Latin word intueri meaning to look i

• deceit

  Etymology The word deceit originates from the Old French word deceit which in turn c