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 forms
o·a·sit·ic [oh-uh-sit-ik] /ˌoʊ əˈsɪt ɪk/, o·a·sal, o·a·se·an [oh-ey-see-uhn] /oʊˈeɪ si ən/, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
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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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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