n.
Pronunciation: ' tir
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tæhher, t ē ar; akin to Old High German zahar tear, Greek dakry
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a drop of clear saline fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland and diffused between the eye and eyelids to moisten the parts and facilitate their motion b plural : a secretion of profuse tears that overflow the eyelids and dampen the face
2 : a transparent drop of fluid or hardened fluid matter (as resin)
3 plural : an act of weeping or grieving <broke into tear s >
– tear · less adjective