eaves
/i:vz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun (plural: eaves) 1. The projecting lower edge or overhang of a roof: The part of a roof that extends beyond the walls of a building, designed to direct rainwater away from the structure.
Usage
The word "eaves" is almost always used in its plural form. It refers to the architectural feature itself, not the material it is made of or the action it performs. * The heavy snow accumulated in the eaves. * Birds often build nests under the eaves of houses. * Icicles hung from the eaves after the thaw.
Advanced Usage
- "To eavesdrop": This is a verb derived from the idea of standing under the eaves (out of the rain) to listen secretly to a conversation inside a house. It is now used more generally to mean listening secretly to a private conversation.
- It is rude to eavesdrop on other people's discussions.
Variants and Related Words
- Eavesdrop (verb): To listen secretly to a private conversation.
- Eavesdropper (noun): A person who eavesdrops.
- Eaves trough (noun, chiefly Canadian): Another term for a gutter; a channel attached to the eaves to carry away rainwater.
Synonyms
- Overhang
- Roof edge
Notes on Meaning
The term specifically denotes the part of the roof that projects. A roof that ends flush with the wall does not have eaves. Its primary function is practical, relating to water drainage and protection of the walls.
Noun
- the overhang at the lower edge of a roof