Main Entry: ¹drop

Pronunciation: \ˈdräp\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English dropa; akin to Old High German tropfo drop

Date: before 12th century

1 a (1) : the quantity of fluid that falls in one spherical mass (2) plural : a dose of medicine measured by drops <eye drops for dilating the pupil of the eye> b : a minute quantity or degree of something nonmaterial or intangible c : a small quantity of drink d : the smallest practical unit of liquid measure
2 : something that resembles a liquid drop: as a : a pendent ornament attached to a piece of jewelry; also : an earring with such a pendant b : a small globular cookie or candy
3 [²drop] a : the act or an instance of dropping : fall b : a decline in quantity or quality c : a descent by parachute; also : the people or equipment dropped by parachute d : a place or central depository to which something (as mail, money, or stolen property) is brought for distribution or transmission; also : the act of depositing something at such a place <made the drop>
4 a : the distance from a higher to a lower level or through which something drops b : a decrease in electric potential
5 : a slot into which something is to be dropped
6 [²drop] : something that drops, hangs, or falls: as a : a movable plate that covers the keyhole of a lock b : an unframed piece of cloth stage scenery; also : drop curtain c : a hinged platform on a gallows d : a fallen fruit
7 : the advantage of having an opponent covered with a firearm; broadly : advantage, superiority —usually used in the phrase get the drop on
8 : a move back from the line of scrimmage (as in preparation for making a forward pass) <a quick drop>

— at the drop of a hat : as soon as the slightest provocation is given : immediately

— drop in the bucket : a part so small as to be negligible