drain

To drain is defined as to empty, or to cause something to empty of liquid.

(verb)

When you open the plug on a sink preventing water from going out and allow the water to go out, this is an example of a time when you drain a sink.
When a sink is filled with water has its plug opened and the water runs out, this is an example of a time when the sink drains.
When all of the sadness you were feeling leaves you, this is an example of a time when the sadness drains out of you.
When water runs off of a driveway, this is an example of a time when the driveway drains.
When soil becomes drier, this is an example of a time when the soil drains.
When you drink an entire glass of milk, this is an example of a time when you drain the glass.

The definition of a drain is a pipe or channel that lets something run off.

(noun)

A pipe that lets water out of your sink and into the sewer system is an example of a drain.
A kid who takes all of his parent's money is an example of a drain on his parent's money.

See drain in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to draw off (liquid) gradually
to draw water or any liquid from gradually so as to dry or empty: to drain swamps
to receive the waters of: the St. Lawrence drains the Great Lakes
to drink all the liquid from (a cup, glass, etc.)
to exhaust (strength, emotions, or resources) gradually
Obsolete to filter

Origin: ME dreinen < OE dreahnian, to strain off, lit., to dry out < base of dryge, dry

intransitive verb

noun

a channel or pipe for carrying off water, sewage, etc.
a draining or exhausting
that which gradually exhausts strength, resources, etc.
Surgery a tube or other device for drawing off discharge, fluid, etc. from a cavity, wound, etc.

Related Forms:

See drain in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb drained, drain·ing, drains

verb, transitive

To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process: drained water from the sink.
a. To cause liquid to go out from; empty: drained the bathtub; drain the pond.
b. To draw off the surface water of: The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
To drink all the contents of: drained the cup.
a. To deplete gradually, especially to the point of complete exhaustion. See Synonyms at deplete.
b. To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically: The day's events completely drained me of all strength.

verb, intransitive

To flow off or out: Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can.
To become empty by the drawing off of liquid: watched the tub slowly drain.
To discharge surface or excess water: The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward.
To become gradually depleted; dwindle: felt his enthusiasm draining.

noun

A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off.
Medicine A device, such as a tube, inserted into the opening of a wound or body cavity to facilitate discharge of fluid or purulent material.
The act or process of draining.
a. A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion: the drain of young talent by emigration.
b. Something that causes a gradual loss: interruptions that are a drain on my patience.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English dreinen, to strain, drain

Origin: , from Old English drēahnian

Related Forms: