Definition

Verb: - To move or pass slowly, gradually, and often in a steady, small flow, typically through a porous material or a small opening.

Usage

This verb phrase describes a slow, often viscous, and steady movement of a liquid or semi-liquid substance. It emphasizes the process of gradual seepage or penetration. It is typically used in literal contexts.

Examples

• Literal Use:
  • Water began to ooze through the cracks in the old dam.
  • Mud oozed through my fingers as I squeezed it.
  • The sauce oozed through the layers of the cake.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While primarily literal, it can be used metaphorically to describe something intangible spreading slowly and pervasively.
  • A sense of dread oozed through the crowd.

Variants and Related Words

• Ooze (verb): To flow or leak out slowly.
  • Sap oozed from the tree.
• Seep through (verb phrase): A close synonym meaning to flow or pass gradually through small openings.
  • Cold air seeped through the window frame.

Synonyms

• Seep through
• Trickle through
• Percolate through
• Filter through

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Ooze out: To leak or flow out slowly.
  • The pus oozed out from the wound.
• Ooze from: To slowly flow from a specific source.
  • Confidence oozed from every pore.

Related Idioms

• To ooze with something: To show a large amount of a quality, often in an obvious or excessive way. (Note: This is a different construction using "ooze").
  • He oozed with charm during the interview.

Verb

1. run slowly and gradually
   • Blood oozed through the bandage