vent

Everyday

1. A vent is a small opening that lets air, smoke, steam or gas go in or out, like an air vent in a room or a car. tree →
2. (science) A volcanic vent is the opening where lava, ash and gas come out; deep-sea vents (hydrothermal vents) let out hot water on the ocean floor. tree →
3. To vent your feelings, especially anger, means to let them out by talking, shouting or crying: «She vented about her day». tree →
4. A vent can also be a slit at the back or side of a coat or jacket. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, volcanoes have a main vent; hydrothermal vents on the sea floor support strange animals like giant tube worms with no sunlight at all. In daily life, keep vents clear, especially on gas heaters, for safety. In PSHE, venting to a trusted person can help feelings, but not by hurting others. Phrases: «air vent», «vent your anger», «give vent to», «hydrothermal vent».

Examples

• Steam came out of the vent in the bathroom. tree →
• Lava poured out of the volcano's vent. tree →
• Strange creatures live around hot vents on the deep sea floor. tree →
• Don't block the air vents on the heater. tree →
• After the match, Jack vented to his dad about the unfair referee. tree →
• It helps to vent your feelings to a friend. tree →
• In the film, the spy crawled through the air vents. tree →
• As soon as it saw the Caliph and his Vizier--who had crept up meanwhile--it gave vent to a joyful cry. tree →

Note

Regular verb: vented. «Give vent to» means let out strong feelings. Trap: to «vent at» someone means to dump your anger on them, which may be unfair.

In Jewish tradition

It means an opening for air. Elihu says he is full of words like wine with no vent, ready to burst the skins.

Interpretation. The tradition reads this as Elihu's urgent feeling that he must speak.

Examples

• Behold, mine inwards are as wine which hath no vent; like new wine-skins which are ready to burst. (Writings JOB.32.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: vented. «Give vent to» means let out strong feelings. Trap: to «vent at» someone means to dump your anger on them, which may be unfair.