noun / verb
tear
A drop of salty fluid from the eye, or producing such drops.
A tear rolls down her cheek.
Etymology
The Old English word already named the eye's fluid drop. It is separate in origin from tear meaning to rip.
More examples
- His eyes teared up during the farewell.
- She wiped away her tears.
- The cold wind left his eyes tearing.
Forms
tear · tears · teared · tearing
tearful adjective — Crying or close to crying.
Similar words
- teardrop
- Specifically a single drop, often referring to its shape.