n. & v.
--n.
1. a the condensed moisture of the atmosphere falling visibly in separate drops. b the fall of such drops.
2 (in pl.) a rainfalls. b (prec. by the) the rainy season in tropical countries.
3 a falling liquid or solid particles or objects. b the rainlike descent of these. c a large or overwhelming quantity (a rain of congratulations).
--v.
1. intr. (prec. by it as subject) rain falls (it is raining; if it rains).
2 a intr. fall in showers or like rain (tears rained down their cheeks; blows rain upon him). b tr. (prec. by it as subject) send in large quantities (it rained blood; it is raining invitations).
3 tr. send down like rain; lavishly bestow (rained benefits on us; rained blows upon him).
4 intr. (of the sky, the clouds, etc.) send down rain.
Phrases and idioms:
rain cats and dogs see CAT. rain check US
1. a ticket given for later use when a sporting fixture or other outdoor event is interrupted or postponed by rain.
2 a promise that an offer will be maintained though deferred. rain-cloud a cloud bringing rain. rain forest luxuriant tropical forest with heavy rainfall. rain-gauge an instrument measuring rainfall. rain-making the action of attempting to increase rainfall by artificial means. rain off (or US out) (esp. in passive) cause (an event etc.) to be terminated or cancelled because of rain. rain or shine whether it rains or not. rain-shadow a region shielded from rain by mountains etc.
rain-wash
1. loose material carried away by rain.
2 the movement of this. rain-worm the common earthworm.
Derivatives:
rainless adj. raintight adj.
Etymology: OE regn, ren, regnian f. Gmc