noun
oasis
oh-AY-sis/əʊˈeɪsɪs/
A place in a desert where water supports plant life.
Date palms and lush grasses surround the pool in this desert oasis.
Etymology
Greek oasis named a watered, fertile place in the desert. It probably reflects an Egyptian word meaning “dwelling place,” connecting the name with habitation.
In context
This oasis is fed by a hot volcanic spring. Slightly away from the stream of near boiling water, it's cooler and fish can live.
More examples
- The travelers refill their water bottles at an oasis.
- Farmers grow dates around the oasis.
- Several small oases dot the otherwise barren desert.
Forms
oasis · oases
Similar words
- spring
- Names a natural water source, not the surrounding fertile area.
- watering hole
- Emphasizes available drinking water, without requiring desert surroundings or vegetation.