drain
DRAYN
/dreɪn/
A pipe or channel used to carry off surplus liquid; to draw off liquid gradually.
Refers to both the physical opening/pipe and the action of liquid leaving a container.
The story behind the word. The word has deep Germanic roots, originating as 'drēahnian' in Old English. It was closely tied to agriculture, describing the laborious process of digging trenches to draw water away from saturated fields so crops could grow.
Word relationships
- outlet: 'Outlet' is a general term for any exit point, whereas 'drain' specifically handles waste liquid.
- sewer: 'Sewer' refers to the massive municipal system, while 'drain' is the localized household pipe.
- fill: To add liquid to a container rather than removing it.
Commonly confused with
- grate: A grate is the metal cover over a drain, not the drain pipe itself.
Word family
- drainage (noun): The system or process of draining water.
Collocations
- shower drain
- sink drain
- drain pipe
- slow drain
Idioms & expressions
- down the drain
Example sentences
- "Make sure to clear any debris from the shower drain to prevent standing water." An instruction on cleaning bathroom fixtures.
- "He watched the soapy water slowly drain out of the tub after his bath." Describing a sink that is slowly emptying.
Memory hook
Think of 'rain' falling down and then going down the 'drain'. Drain: Where the water goes away.
When not to use
Do not use 'drain' when referring to the supply lines that bring clean water into a house; those are 'supply lines' or 'pipes'.
Fun facts
- The 'P-trap' under your sink drain is designed to hold a small amount of water to block sewer gases from rising into your home.
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