drain Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it
drainage.
noun tube inserted into a body cavity (as during surgery) to remove unwanted material
noun a pipe through which liquid is carried away
drainpipe; waste pipe.
noun a gradual depletion of energy or resources
- a drain on resources
- a drain of young talent by emigration
verb flow off gradually
run out.
- The rain water drains into this big vat
verb deplete of resources
- The exercise class drains me of energy
verb empty of liquid; drain the liquid from
- We drained the oil tank
verb make weak
debilitate; enfeeble.
- Life in the camp drained him

AS. drehnigean to drain, strain; perh. akin to E. draw.

imperfect & past participle Drained ; present participle & verbal noun Draining

To draw off by degrees; to cause to flow gradually out or off; hence, to cause the exhaustion of.
Fountains drain the water from the ground adjacent. Bacon.

But it was not alone that the he drained their treasure and hampered their industry. Motley.
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.
To filter.
Salt water, drained through twenty vessels of earth, hath become fresh. Bacon.

To flow gradually; as, the water of low ground drains off.
To become emptied of liquor by flowing or dropping; as, let the vessel stand and drain.

The act of draining, or of drawing off; gradual and continuous outflow or withdrawal; as, the drain of specie from a country.
That means of which anything is drained; a channel; a trench; a water course; a sewer; a sink.
pl. The grain from the mashing tub; as, brewers' drains. Eng. Halliwell. Kent.