■ verb
1》 cause the liquid in (something) to run out, leaving it empty or dry.
↘(of liquid) run off or out.
↘(of a river) carry off the superfluous water from (an area).
↘become dry as liquid runs off.
↘drink the entire contents of.
2》 deprive of strength or vitality.
↘cause (a resource) to be used up.
■ noun
1》 a channel or pipe that carries off rainwater or liquid waste.
↘ Brit. a grating set in the ground over the opening of a ~.
2》 a thing that uses up a resource.
↘the continuous loss of a resource: the ~ of talented staff.
Phrases
go down the ~ informal be totally wasted.
laugh like a ~ Brit. informal laugh raucously.
Origin
OE drēahnian , drēhnian 'strain liquid', of Gmc origin; related to dry .