Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Leaking: "aleak" describes a container, vessel, or structure that has a leak or hole through which liquid (especially water) escapes. It is a predicative adjective, typically used after a linking verb like "be" or "become."

Usage Examples

• (The boat has a leak and is taking on water.)
• (The roof developed a hole that let water in.)

Advanced Usage

• "to spring aleak": to suddenly develop a leak.

  • The pipe sprang aleak during the freezing night. (The pipe suddenly started leaking due to ice damage.)

• "to go aleak": to become leaky or to start leaking.

  • The barrel went aleak after being struck by a rock. (The barrel began leaking from the impact.)

Variants and Related Words

• Leak (n/v): an unintended hole or escape of fluid; to allow fluid to escape.

  • There is a leak in the gas line. (A hole allowing gas to escape.)

• Leaky (adj): having a tendency to leak.

  • The leaky faucet drips constantly. (The faucet has a small, persistent leak.)

Synonyms

• Leaking: allowing liquid to escape through a hole.
• Perforated: having a hole or series of holes (often intentional, but can be used for leaks).
• Porous: having small holes that allow liquid to pass through slowly (less specific than "aleak").

Related Idioms

• "A leak in the roof": a common phrase for a roof that lets water in (not a direct idiom, but a related expression).
• "To spring a leak": to suddenly develop a leak, often used metaphorically for plans going wrong.
  • Our travel plans sprang a leak when the flight was cancelled. (The plans encountered an unexpected problem.)

Notes

• Rarity: "Aleak" is an archaic or dialectal word, rarely used in modern English. It is most often found in older literature or nautical contexts. In contemporary speech, "leaking" or "leaky" is preferred.