Drops Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drops

[drÉ’ps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

eye drops

A liquid solution, often medicated, intended to be applied in drops to the eye.

Synonyms

eye medication, eye solution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drops

This term is commonly used in general or informal contexts to refer to any liquid medication that is administered in small, measured amounts, typically using a dropper. It can be used for eyes, ears, or other uses.

  • I need to take my allergy drops three times a day

Examples of usage

  • Make sure to use the eye drops as directed by your doctor.
  • She had to put eye drops in her eyes to relieve the irritation.
Context #2 | Noun

rain drops

Small particles of water that fall from the sky as part of the water cycle.

Synonyms

precipitation, rain.

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Word Description / Examples
drops

Best used when referring to individual small amounts of liquid.

  • Raindrops fell on the window pane
  • She felt a few drops of water on her hand

Examples of usage

  • The rain drops gently fell on the leaves of the trees.
  • We could hear the sound of rain drops hitting the roof.
Context #3 | Verb

drops in temperature

To decrease in temperature, typically suddenly or by a significant amount.

Synonyms

decrease, fall.

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Word Description / Examples
drops

Use this word to describe a reduction or decrease in quantity, level, or intensity. It is often used in everyday speech and can refer to various situations such as temperature, prices, or blood pressure.

  • The temperature drops significantly at night.
  • His blood pressure drops during exercise.
  • There have been sharp drops in stock prices recently.
decrease

Use this word in situations where a reduction or reduction in amount, size, or number needs to be described formally or specifically. It is often used in scientific, technical, and business contexts.

  • The company reported a decrease in sales this quarter.
  • There has been a decrease in the number of applicants this year.
  • Studies show a decrease in pollution levels in the city.
fall

Use this word to describe a downward movement or reduction, often involving physical descent or a metaphorical decline. It can be used in various situations, both literal and figurative.

  • The leaves fall from the trees in autumn.
  • He slipped and fell down the stairs.
  • There was a notable fall in the company's profits.

Examples of usage

  • After the sun went down, the temperature dropped quickly.
  • The forecast predicts a drop in temperature for tomorrow.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Scientific Usage

  • In physics, drops can demonstrate concepts like gravity when they fall to the ground.
  • Water drops can form when humidity in the air cools and condenses, creating dew on the grass.
  • The size of a drop can affect its behavior; smaller drops can evaporate faster than larger ones.

Art and Literature

  • Artists often use drops in paintings to symbolize emotions, like tears for sadness or rain for renewal.
  • In poetry, drops can represent fleeting moments, reminding us how time can pass quickly.
  • Famous literature often uses rain drops as metaphors for change or new beginnings.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, rain is seen as a blessing, with drops symbolizing prosperity and life.
  • The phrase 'a drop in the bucket' represents a tiny part of a much larger problem, highlighting the importance of perspective.
  • In Japanese culture, the image of a single drop can convey tranquility, often used in Zen gardens.

Everyday Life

  • We see drops daily, from raindrops on car windows to drops of water when washing our hands.
  • Medicines often come in drop form, allowing precise dosages for treatments.
  • In cooking, a few drops of lemon juice can enhance the flavor of a dish, emphasizing how small things can make a big difference.

Environmental Impact

  • Weather patterns like rain drops can influence agriculture, affecting food production and water supply.
  • Drops are vital for the water cycle, which maintains balance in our ecosystem and supports life.
  • Pollution can affect the quality of water drops, impacting both environmental health and human consumption.

Origin of 'drops'

The word 'drops' originated from the Old English word 'dropa' which meant a small particle of liquid. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include various contexts such as eye drops, rain drops, and temperature drops. The usage of 'drops' can be traced back to ancient times when people observed the phenomenon of water falling from the sky as rain. Today, 'drops' is commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of something decreasing or falling, whether it be liquid, temperature, or other forms of matter.


See also: drop, droplet, droplets, dropped, dropper, dropping, droppings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,535, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.