— oasitic /oh'euh sit"ik/ , oasal, oasean /oh ay"see euhn/ , adj.
/oh ay"sis/ , n. , pl. oases /-seez/ .
1. a small fertile or green area in a desert region, usually having a spring or well.
2. something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc.: The library was an oasis of calm in the hectic city.
[ 1605-15; óasis (Herodotus) wh't oasis, oasis region ]
Syn. 2. haven, harbor, retreat, shelter.