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 measure2: 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 potential5: a slot into which something is to be dropped6 [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 on8: 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