noun / verb
well
A deep opening providing access to an underground supply of liquid.
The family draws drinking water from a well behind the house.
Etymology
The Old English word named a natural spring or water source. It extended to an opening dug to reach underground liquid.
More examples
- Workers drill a new well to reach oil deep underground.
- Water wells up through a crack in the rock.
- Tears well in her eyes as she reads the letter.
Forms
well · wells · welled · welling
Similar words
- borehole
- A drilled opening for exploration or extraction, not necessarily water.
- spring
- A natural outlet where groundwater flows to the surface.