aleak
Definition
- 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.