Main Entry: ¹tear

Pronunciation: \ˈtir\

Function: noun

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

Date: before 12th century

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