vent¹ / vent/ • n. an opening that allows air, gas, or liquid to pass out of or into a confined space. ∎ fig. release or expression of a strong emotion, energy, etc.: children give vent to their anger in various ways. ∎  the opening of a volcano, through which lava and other materials are emitted. ∎  hist. the touch hole of a gun. ∎  the anus, esp. one in a lower animal such as a fish that serves for both excretion and reproduction.• v. [tr.] 1. give free expression to (a strong emotion): he had come to vent his rage and despair. 2. provide with an outlet for air, gas, or liquid: clothes dryers must be vented to the outside. ∎  discharge or expel (air, gas, or liquid) through an outlet: the plant was isolated and the gas vented. ∎  permit air to enter (a beer cask).DERIVATIVES: vent·less adj.vent² • n. a slit in a garment, esp. in the lower edge of the back of a coat through the seam.

vent1 †provide with an outlet for gas, etc. XIV; †discharge (fluid) XVI; give free course to, utter; intr. †(of animals) scent, (of otters, etc.) rise to the surface to breathe. prob. aphetic of †avent (XIV) — OF. aventer, var. of esventer (mod. éventer) create wind, expose to the air, divulge, scent:- Rom. *exventāre, f. L. EX-1 + ventum WIND1.
Hence (partly after F. †esvent, évent) vent sb. A. †discharge, utterance; issue, outlet XVI; means of outlet, opportunity of escape XVII; B. anus; aperture, outlet XVI; way out XVII.

vent.
1. Aperture, air-hole, or passage to allow fresh air to enter and foul air to leave.

2. Chimney-flue.

3. Opening-light, hinged at the top or bottom, in a metal window.

vent2 opening or slit in a garment. XV. var. of (dial.) fent (XV) — (O)F. fente slit:- Rom. *findita (repl. L. fissa), sb. use of fem. pp. of L. findere cleave, split.

vent (Fr.). Wind. instruments à vent, wind instruments.