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. gutter press sensational journalism concerned esp. with the private lives of public figures.
[ ME f. AF gotere, OF gotiere ult. f. L gutta drop ]