tear (2) definition - Dictionary

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	tear-off

	tear sheet

	tear up

	tearaway

	teardown

	teardrop

	tearful

	tearing

	tearjerker

	tearoom

	tearstain

	teary

	teary-eyed

	tease

	tease out

	teasel

	teaser

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tear (2)

tear [ teer ]

noun (plural tears)

Definition:

1. drop of fluid from eye: a single drop of salty fluid secreted by the lacrimal gland of the eye

2. drop of liquid: a drop of liquid or hardened fluid, especially one with a round base and narrower top

tears of rain running down the window

plural noun tears

Definition:

1. excess of liquid in eyes: a greater than usual amount of liquid produced by the eye or eyes, often accompanying intense emotions, or caused by irritation of the eye

2. crying: weeping accompanied by intense emotion

3. liquid bathing eye: the salty liquid secreted by the lacrimal gland that moistens and protects the surface of the eye and its surrounding tissue

intransitive verb (past and past participle teared, present participle tear·ing, 3rd person present singular tears)

Definition:

produce tears: to produce tears, especially in excessive amounts

My eyes tear a lot during the allergy season.

[ Old English tēar< Indo-European]

tear·less adjective

Spelling Note


	tear or tier? Do not confuse the spelling of tear and tier, which sound similar. A tear is a drop of fluid secreted by the eye, as in burst into tears. A tier is a row or layer one above the other or a level of a hierarchy, as in a two-tier system of taxation.