ooze

UK: uːz | US: uːz

Definition
  1. n. a soft, wet, muddy substance, especially at the bottom of a liquid

  2. vi. to flow or leak slowly, as through small openings

  3. vt. to exude or give off slowly

Structure

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Etymology

The word "ooze" originates from Old English wōs, meaning "sap, juice, or moisture." It is related to Old Norse vās ("wetness") and Dutch waas ("haze"). The modern sense of "slow flow" emerged in Middle English, likely influenced by the sound-symbolic quality of the word, evoking a soft, viscous movement. Its dual meaning—both as a noun (substance) and verb (action)—reflects its natural association with fluidity and gradual seepage.

Examples
  1. Thick ooze covered the riverbank after the flood.

  2. Sap began to ooze from the cut in the tree bark.

  3. The swamp was filled with dark, smelly ooze.

  4. Sweat oozed from his forehead during the intense workout.

  5. The wound oozed blood despite the bandage.