SNEEZING

n. Snez'i2na. Gr., irrapnos. Lat., sternutatio. Fr., eternuement. Ger., Niesen, A sudden, almost explosive expiration, resembling coughing, but, from closure of the anterior pillars of the fauces, aided by the soft palate, the blast of air is mostly driven through the nose. [JJ Ear s. S. due to reflex irritation of the sensory nerves of the nasal mucous membrane transmitted from the nerves of the external auditory canal or middle ear, caused by irritation of the latter. [F.] [s. 493]