What does the term "snorting" mean in drug administration?

The term "snorting" in drug administration specifically refers to inhaling drugs through the nose. This method involves the finely powdered form of a substance being taken into the nasal cavity, where it is absorbed through the mucous membranes. This route of administration allows for faster onset of effects compared to oral ingestion, as the drug enters the bloodstream more quickly. Snorting is commonly associated with certain recreational drugs, including cocaine and some prescription medications.

The other methods described in the options illustrate different routes of drug administration but do not accurately reflect what "snorting" entails. For example, orally ingesting a substance involves swallowing it and processing it through the digestive system, which is distinct from nasal inhalation. Injecting into the abdomen refers to a method of delivering medication directly into the body via a syringe, which bypasses the nasal route altogether. Delivering drugs via a patch involves transdermal absorption, where a drug is infused through the skin into the bloodstream, again not related to snorting. Therefore, the definition of "snorting" as inhaling drugs through the nose is the correct understanding of the term in the context of drug administration.