Oozing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oozing

[ˈuːzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

liquid

To slowly leak or seep out in a steady flow, often referring to liquids or gases.

Synonyms

drip, flow, trickle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oozing

Use when a thick or sticky liquid is slowly coming out of something or seeping. It might have a somewhat negative connotation if it describes something unpleasant.

  • The honey was oozing out of the broken jar.
  • Blood was oozing from the wound.
flow

Best used when talking about a steady and continuous movement of liquid, often in larger or more significant amounts, compared to 'drip' or 'trickle'.

  • The river flowed peacefully through the valley.
  • Information flows quickly in the digital age.
drip

Appropriate for describing small amounts of liquid that intermittently fall in drops. Often used for leaks or when something is falling slowly, drop by drop.

  • The faucet won't stop dripping.
  • Water dripped from the icicles as the sun warmed them.
trickle

Used when talking about a slow, thin stream of liquid. It suggests a small, gentle and intermittent flow, often in small quantities.

  • Tears trickled down her cheeks.
  • A trickle of water ran down the wall from the leaky pipe.

Examples of usage

  • The wound was oozing blood.
  • The tree sap was oozing out of the trunk.
  • The toxic fumes were oozing from the pipe.
Context #2 | Adjective

negative

Displaying an unpleasantly slow or gradual flow, often used to describe a negative situation or feeling.

Synonyms

oozy, seeping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oozing

This refers to a steady, often unpleasant, flow of liquid from an object. It’s frequently used to describe liquids coming from organic or infected sources.

  • The sap was oozing from the tree.
  • The infected sore was oozing pus.
seeping

Choose 'seeping' to describe a slow, gradual flow of liquid, especially when it moves through small openings. It often relates to water or other liquids permeating or escaping slowly from materials.

  • Water was seeping through the walls.
  • The oil was seeping out of the engine.
oozy

The word 'oozy' is used to describe something that has qualities of or is covered with a slow, sticky substance. It often has a somewhat negative or unpleasant connotation.

  • The ground was oozy after the heavy rain.
  • The cake had an oozy chocolate center.

Examples of usage

  • The oozing wound required immediate medical attention.
  • His oozing arrogance made it difficult to work with him.

Translations

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

Origin of 'oozing'

The word 'oozing' originated from the Old English word 'wosian', meaning to ooze or flow out. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, retaining its core meaning of slow leakage or seepage. The concept of oozing has been present in various languages and cultures, often associated with the gradual release of liquids or gases. The word has been used in medical contexts to describe the flow of blood or pus from a wound, as well as in environmental contexts to depict the slow release of substances into the environment.


See also: ooze.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,252, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.