n. & v.
--n.
1. a shallow trough below the eaves of a house, or a channel at the side of a street, to carry off rainwater.
2 (prec. by the) a poor or degraded background or environment.
3 an open conduit along which liquid flows out.
4 a groove.
5 a track made by the flow of water.
--v.
1. intr. flow in streams.
2 tr. furrow, channel.
Phrases and idioms:
gutter press sensational journalism concerned esp. with the private lives of public figures.
Etymology: ME f. AF gotere, OF gotiere ult. f. L gutta drop