noun

1. a flow of water from the earth; natural spring and pool
2. a hole or shaft in the earth dug or drilled to tap an underground supply of water, gas, oil, etc.
3. a source of abundant supply; fount a book that is a well of information
4. any of various shafts or deep enclosed spaces resembling a well; esp.,
   1. an open shaft in a building for a staircase; stairwell
   2. a shaft in a building or between buildings, open to the sky for light and air
   3. an elevator shaft
   4. Naut. an enclosure in the hold of a ship for containing the pumps and protecting them from damage
   5. a compartment in a fishing boat where freshly caught fish are kept
5. any of various vessels, containers, etc. for holding liquid, as an inkwell
6. a depression, as on a platter or broiler for catching meat juices

Etymology: ME welle < OE wella, akin to weallan, to boil up, akin to Ger welle, wave, wallen, to boil < IE base *wel-, to turn, roll > walk, L volvere, to roll

intransitive verb

Etymology: ME wellen, to well up, bubble, boil, weld < OE wiellan, wyllan, to bubble, caus. of weallan: see wellthe

transitive verb

adverb better bet′·ter, best

1. in a pleasing or desirable manner; satisfactorily work that is going well
2. in a proper, friendly, or attentive manner to treat a person well
3. skillfully; expertly to sing well
4. in an appropriate manner; fittingly spoken well
5. 1. prosperously; in comfort and plenty to live well
   2. to one's advantage or well-being to marry well
6. with good reason; in justice; properly one may well ask
7. satisfactorily in regard to health or physical condition the patient is doing well
8. to a considerable extent, degree, or distance well advanced
9. thoroughly; fully stir well before cooking
10. with certainty; definitely to know perfectly well what one must do
11. intimately; familiarly; closely to know a person well
12. in good spirit; with good grace he took the news well

Etymology: ME wel < OE, akin to Ger wohl: for IE base see will: basic sense “according to desire”

adjective better bet′·ter, best

1. suitable, proper, fit, right, etc. it is well that he came
2. in good health she is quite well
3. in a good or satisfactory condition; favorable; comfortable things are well with us

interjection

1. used variously to express agreement, resignation, surprise, inquiry, expostulation, etc.
2. used to preface or resume one's remarks