oasis
[ oh-ey-sis ]
/ oʊˈeɪ sɪs /
||
noun, plural o·a·ses [oh-ey-seez] /oʊˈeɪ siz/.
a small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well.
something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc.: The library was an oasis of calm in the hectic city.
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Origin of oasis
1605–15; < Late Latin < Greek óasis (Herodotus) < Egyptian wḥʾt oasis, oasis region
Related formso·a·sit·ic [oh-uh-sit-ik] /ˌoʊ əˈsɪt ɪk/, o·a·sal, o·a·se·an [oh-ey-see-uhn] /oʊˈeɪ si ən/, adjective
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for oases
British Dictionary definitions for oases (1 of 2)
oasis
/ (əʊˈeɪsɪs) /
noun plural -ses (-siːz)
a fertile patch in a desert occurring where the water table approaches or reaches the ground surface
a place of peace, safety, or happiness in the midst of trouble or difficulty
Word Origin for oasis
C17: via Latin from Greek, probably of Egyptian origin
British Dictionary definitions for oases (2 of 2)
Oasis
/ (əʊˈeɪsɪs) /
noun
trademark a block of light porous material, used as a base for flower arrangements
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for oases
oasis
1610s, from French oasis (18c.) and directly from Late Latin oasis, from Greek oasis, probably from Hamitic (cf. Coptic wahe, ouahe "oasis," properly "dwelling place," from ouih "dwell"). The same Egyptian source produced Arabic wahah.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for oases
oasis
[ ō-ā′sĭs ]
Plural oases (ō-ā′sēz)
A small area in a desert that has a supply of water and is able to support vegetation. An oasis forms when groundwater lies close enough to the surface to form a spring or to be reached by wells.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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