Word Direct Answers

What does "drain" mean?

Drain: To exhaust of liquid contents by drawing them off; to make gradually dry or empty; to remove surface water, as from streets, by gutters, etc.; to deprive of moisture; hence, to exhaust; to empty of wealth, resources, or the like; as, to drain a country of its specie. Sinking waters, the firm land to drain, Filled the capacious deep and formed the main. Roscommon.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To filter. Salt water, drained through twenty vessels of earth, hath become fresh. Bacon.
  2. 3.To flow gradually; as, the water of low ground drains off.
  3. 4.To become emptied of liquor by flowing or dropping; as, let the vessel stand and drain.
  4. 5.The act of draining, or of drawing off; gradual and continuous outflow or withdrawal; as, the drain of specie from a country.
  5. 6.That means of which anything is drained; a channel; a trench; a water course; a sewer; a sink.
  6. 7.pl. The grain from the mashing tub; as, brewers' drains. [Eng.] Halliwell. Box drain, Counter drain. See under Box, Counter. -- Right of drain (Law), an easement or servitude by which one man has a right to convey water in pipes through or over the estate of another. Kent.

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