reɪn n. & v. --n. 1 a
the condensed
moisture of the
atmosphere falling visibly in
separate drops. b the
fall of
such drops. 2 (in pl.) a rainfalls. b (prec. by the) the
rainy season in
tropical countries. 3 a falling
liquid or
solid particles or objects. b the rainlike
descent of
these. c a
large or
overwhelming quantity (a rain of congratulations). --v. 1 intr. (prec. by it as subject) rain falls (it is raining; if it rains). 2 a intr. fall in showers or like rain (tears rained down
their cheeks; blows rain
upon him). b tr. (prec. by it as subject)
send in large quantities (it rained
blood; it is raining invitations). 3 tr. send down like rain; lavishly
bestow (rained benefits on
us; rained blows upon him). 4 intr. (of the
sky, the clouds, etc.) send down rain. ørain cats
and dogs see
CAT. rain check US 1 a
ticket given for later
use when a
sporting fixture or
other outdoor event is interrupted or postponed by rain. 2 a
promise that an
offer will be maintained
though deferred. rain-cloud a
cloud bringing rain. rain
forest luxuriant tropical forest
with heavy rainfall. rain-gauge an
instrument measuring rainfall. rain-making the
action of attempting to
increase rainfall by
artificial means. rain
off (or US out) (esp. in passive)
cause (an event etc.) to be terminated or cancelled
because of rain. rain or
shine whether it rains or
not. rain-shadow a
region shielded
from rain by mountains etc. rain-wash 1
loose material carried
away by rain. 2 the
movement of
this. rain-worm the
common earthworm. øørainless adj. raintight adj. [OE regn, ren, regnian f. Gmc]
