Main Entry:

¹drain

Pronunciation:

\ˈdrān\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

Middle English draynen, from Old English drēahnian — more at dry

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1obsolete : filter2 a: to draw off (liquid) gradually or completely <drained all the water out> b: to cause the gradual disappearance of <drain the region's wealth> c: to exhaust physically or emotionally <feeling drained at the end of a long workday>3 a: to make gradually dry <drain a swamp> b: to carry away the surface water of <the river that drains the valley> c: to deplete or empty by or as if by drawing off by degrees or in increments <drained the country of its resources> d: to empty by drinking the contents of <drain a mug of beer>4: drop 7c, sink <drained the putt>intransitive verb1 a: to flow off gradually b: to disappear gradually : dwindle2: to become emptied or freed of liquid by its flowing or dropping <waiting for the tub to drain>3: to discharge surface or surplus water

synonyms see deplete

— drain·er noun