n.
Pronunciation: ' s ə mp
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sompe swamp ― more at SWAMP
Date: 1653
1 : a pit or reservoir serving as a drain or receptacle for liquids: as a : CESSPOOL b : a pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (as the oil-circulating system of an internal combustion engine) c chiefly British : OIL PAN
2 British : CRANKCASE
3 [German Sumpf, literally, marsh, from Middle High German ― more at SWAMP ] a : the lowest part of a mine shaft into which water drains b : an excavation ahead of regular work in driving a mine tunnel or sinking a mine shaft
4 : something resembling a sump : SINK 2