Search this site:

Definition of tear


Reference


Word of the Day
competent
Definition: (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable
Petersons.com
Add Word of the Day to your personalized My Yahoo! page:
Add to My Yahoo! View RSS Feed
About My Yahoo! and RSS »

 

tear 2  audio  (tîr) KEY  

NOUN:
    1. A drop of the clear salty liquid that is secreted by the lachrymal gland of the eye to lubricate the surface between the eyeball and eyelid and to wash away irritants.
    2. tears A profusion of this liquid spilling from the eyes and wetting the cheeks, especially as an expression of emotion.
    3. tears The act of weeping: criticism that left me in tears.
  1. A drop of a liquid or hardened fluid.
intr.v.
teared , tear·ing , tears
To fill with tears.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English tar; see dakru- in Indo-European roots


Visit our partner's site
Provided by Houghton Mifflin
logoeReference -- Download this interactive reference software to your desktop computer


Search Dictionary:

 More on Yahoo! Education
 • Online and On-Campus Degree Programs
    MBAs  -  Technology Management  -  Education  -  Health  -  More

 • College & Grad School - A Comprehensive Guide
    College Search  -  Test Prep  -  Application Tips  -  Scholarship Search
 

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition.
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Other Important Information
-