Rain
Origin
From Middle English reyn, rein, from Old English reġn, from Proto-Germanic *regnaz (compare West Frisian rein, Dutch regen, German Regen, Danish regn), from pre-Germanic *Hréǵ-no-, from Proto-Indo-European *Hreǵ 'to flow' (compare Latin rigŠ("wet, soak"), Lithuanian rõki ("drizzling rain"), Albanian rrjedh ("to flow, drip")).
Full definition of rain
Noun
rain
(usually uncountable; plural rains)- Condensed water falling from a cloud.We've been having a lot of rain lately.The rains came late that year.
- (figuratively) Any matter moving or falling, usually through air, and especially if liquid or otherwise figuratively identifiable with raindrops.
- (figuratively) An instance of particles or larger pieces of matter moving or falling through air.A rain of mortar fire fell on our trenches.
Alternative forms
- raygne obsolete
Synonyms
Derived terms
Verb
- (impersonal) To have rain fall from the sky.It will rain today.
- To fall as or like rain.
- ShakespeareThe rain it raineth every day.
- Tears rained from her eyes.
- (intransitive) To fall in large quantities.Bombs rained from the sky.
- (transitive) To issue (something) in large quantities.The boxer rained punches on his opponent's head.