drain (dr n)v. drained, drain·ing, drains v.tr. 1. To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process: drained water from the sink. 2. 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. 3. To drink all the contents of: drained the cup. 4. 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. v.intr. 1. To flow off or out: Gasoline drained slowly from the tilted can. 2. To become empty by the drawing off of liquid: watched the tub slowly drain. 3. To discharge surface or excess water: The Niagara River drains into Lake Ontario. When flooded, the swamp drains northward. 4. To become gradually depleted; dwindle: felt his enthusiasm draining. n. Idiom: 1. A pipe or channel by which liquid is drawn off. 2. 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. 3. The act or process of draining. 4. 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. down the drain To or into the condition of being wasted or lost: All of our best laid plans are down the drain. [Middle English dreinen, to strain, drain, from Old English dr  ahnian.]drain  a·ble adj.drain er n. |
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