Oasis

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /əʊˈeɪsɪs/, /əʊˈeɪsÉ™s/
• US enPR: ō-ā'sÄ­s, IPA: /oʊˈeɪsɪs/, /oʊˈeɪsÉ™s/
• Rhymes: -eɪsɪs, -eɪsÉ™s

Origin

From Ancient Greek ὄασις (óasis), from Late Egyptian (wḥỉ), earlier hieroglyphic

G43-V28-G1-X1:N25

wḥȝt (also meaning "basin"). Compare Sahidic Coptic ⲟⲩⲁϩⲉ and Arabic واحة.

Full definition of oasis

Noun

1. A spring of fresh water, surrounded by a fertile region of vegetation, in a desert.
• 1892, James Yoxall, The Lonely Pyramid Chapter 7, It was the Lost Oasis, the Oasis of the vision in the sand. … Deep-hidden in the hollow, beneath the cliffs, it lay; and round it the happy verdure spread for many a rood. … Yes, the quest was ended, the Lost Oasis was the Found!
2. A quiet, peaceful place or situation separated from surrounding noise or bustle.
   The park was an oasis in the middle of the busy city.

Synonyms

• (quiet place or situation) island, refuge

Anagrams

• ossia