Runny Nose: Meaning, Causes, and How to Stop It

Meaning 1：runny nose (Runny Nose)

Runny Nose 🔊

/ˈrʌni noʊz/

adj.

When your nose produces extra liquid that drips out.

runny nose 🔊

➕

/ˈrʌni noʊz/

adj.

A condition where the nose produces an excessive amount of thin mucus, causing it to drip out. It is commonly a symptom of colds, allergies, or irritation.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'run' (to flow) and 'nose', meaning a nose that produces liquid.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a nose like a leaky faucet—when it's 'running,' you need a tissue to stop the drip.

📖 Example

Mom reminded me to take tissues to school because she saw I had a runny nose in the morning. 🔊 Mom reminded me to take tissues to school because she saw I had a runny nose in the morning.

🔗 Collocations

have a runny nose – experience nasal discharge

runny nose and sneezing – symptoms including nasal drip and sneezes

suffering from a runny nose – being bothered by excess nasal mucus

🔄 Synonyms

watery nose (noun phrase) – Informal term for a nose that produces thin mucus.

nasal drip (noun phrase) – Medical term for the sensation of mucus dripping from the nose into the throat.

rhinorrhea (noun) – The medical condition of having a runny nose.

🚫 Antonyms

dry nose (noun phrase) – Condition where the nasal passages lack moisture, opposite of runny nose.

📖 Cultural Story

Commonly used in everyday English for the symptom of nasal discharge during colds or allergies. A standard term in health contexts.