tear

¹tear

noun \ˈtir\

Definition of TEAR

1

a : a drop of clear saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland and diffused between the eye and eyelids to moisten the parts and facilitate their motion b plural : a secretion of profuse tears that overflow the eyelids and dampen the face

2

: a transparent drop of fluid or hardened fluid matter (as resin)

3

plural : an act of weeping or grieving <broke into tears>

— tear·less adjective

Examples of TEAR

1. And thus he would die—out in the cold world, with no shelter over his homeless head. … And thus SHE would see him when she looked out upon the glad morning, and oh! would she drop one little tear upon his poor, lifeless form, would she heave one little sigh to see a bright young life so rudely blighted, so untimely cut down? —Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, 1876

Origin of TEAR

Middle English, from Old English tæhher, tēar; akin to Old High German zahar tear, Greek dakry

First Known Use: before 12th century