— rainless , adj. — rainlessness , n.
/rayn/ , n.
1. water that is condensed from the aqueous vapor in the atmosphere and falls to earth in drops more than 1 / 50 in. (0.5 mm) in diameter. Cf. drizzle (def. 6).
2. a rainfall, rainstorm, or shower: We had a light rain this afternoon.
3. rains , the rainy season; seasonal rainfall, as in India.
4. weather marked by steady or frequent rainfall: We had rain most of last summer.
5. a heavy and continuous descent or inflicting of anything: a rain of blows; a rain of vituperation.
v.i.
6. (of rain) to fall (usually used impersonally with it as subject): It rained all night.
7. to fall like rain: Tears rained from their eyes.
8. to send down rain: The lightning flashed and the sky rained on us in torrents.
v.t.
9. to send down in great quantities, as small pieces or objects: People on rooftops rained confetti on the parade.
10. to offer, bestow, or give in great quantity: to rain favors upon a person.
11. to deal, hurl, fire, etc., repeatedly: to rain blows on someone's head.
12. rain cats and dogs , Informal. to rain very heavily or steadily: We canceled our picnic because it rained cats and dogs.
13. rain out , to cause, by raining, the cancellation or postponement of a sports event, performance, or the like: The double-header was rained out yesterday.
[ bef. 900; (n.) ME rein; OE regn, ren, c. D, G regen, ON regn, Goth rign; (v.) ME reinen, OE regnian ]
Syn. 10. lavish, shower, pour.