n. & v.
--n.
1. a a hole in a vessel, pipe, or container etc. caused by wear or damage, through which matter, esp. liquid or gas, passes accidentally in or out. b the matter passing in or out through this. c the act or an instance of leaking.
2 a a similar escape of electrical charge. b the charge that escapes.
3 the intentional disclosure of secret information.
--v.
1. a intr. (of liquid, gas, etc.) pass in or out through a leak. b tr. lose or admit (liquid, gas, etc.) through a leak.
2 tr. intentionally disclose (secret information).
3 intr. (often foll. by out) (of a secret, secret information) become known.
Phrases and idioms:
have (or take) a leak sl. urinate.
Derivatives:
leaker n.
Etymology: ME prob. f. LG