drain - Dictionary definition and pronunciation - Yahoo! Education
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drain  audio  (drn) KEY 

VERB:
drained, drain·ing, drains
VERB:
tr.
  1. To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process: drained water from the sink.
    1. To cause liquid to go out from; empty: drained the bathtub; drain the pond.
    2. To draw off the surface water of: The Mississippi River drains a vast area.
  3. To drink all the contents of: drained the cup.
    1. To deplete gradually, especially to the point of complete exhaustion. See Synonyms at deplete.
    2. To fatigue or spend emotionally or physically: The day's events completely drained me of all strength.
VERB:
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.
NOUN:
  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.
    1. A gradual outflow or loss; consumption or depletion: the drain of young talent by emigration.
    2. Something that causes a gradual loss: interruptions that are a drain on my patience.

IDIOM:
down the drain
To or into the condition of being wasted or lost: All of our best laid plans are down the drain.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English dreinen, to strain, drain, from Old English drahnian

OTHER FORMS:
draina·ble(Adjective), drainer(Noun)


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