Drain

Definition

Drain refers to the process of removing liquid from a place, container, or substance. It can also mean to cause something to diminish or be used up over time, such as energy or resources.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dreɪn/
• Respelling: drayn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dreɪn/
• Respelling: drayn

The pronunciation of "drain" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "drain" originates from the Old English word "dreahnian," meaning "to strain or filter out liquid." It has Germanic roots and evolved over time to encompass broader meanings, including the removal of any resource, whether physical or metaphorical.

Derivatives

• Drainage (noun)
• Draining (verb)
• Drained (adjective)
• Undrained (adjective)
• Drainpipe (noun)

Synonyms

• Empty
• Deplete
• Exhaust

Antonyms

• Fill
• Replenish
• Refill

Usage

The word "drain" is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. For instance, one might talk about "draining" a bathtub or "draining" someone's energy. The term is often associated with plumbing, liquid removal, and resource depletion.

Related Terms

• Siphon: A tube used to convey liquids upwards from a reservoir and then down to a lower level.
• Pipe: A tube through which liquids or gases are conveyed.
• Exhaust: To drain someone of physical or mental resources.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A pipe or channel through which liquid is drained: Refers to a physical structure used to remove water or other liquids from a location.
  • Example: "The kitchen drain was clogged, causing water to back up."

Verb

• To remove liquid from a place or container: Refers to the action of allowing a liquid to flow out of something.
  • Example: "He drained the water from the pool before cleaning it."
• To exhaust or deplete something, such as energy or resources: Refers to the gradual reduction of strength, energy, or resources.
  • Example: "The long hours of work began to drain her energy."