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Definition of drain verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

drain

verb
/dreɪn/ drain pronunciation American
 
1 [transitive, intransitive] drain (something) to make something empty or dry by removing all the liquid from it; to become empty or dry in this wayDrain and rinse the pasta.The marshes have been drained.You will need to drain the central heating system before you replace the radiator.The swimming pool drains very slowly.Leave the dishes to drain.2 [transitive, intransitive] to make liquid flow away from something; to flow away drain something (from/out of something)We had to drain the oil out of the engine. drain something away/offDrain off the excess fat from the meat. drain away/offShe pulled out the plug and the water drained away.(figurative)My anger slowly drained away. drain into somethingThe river drains into a lake. drain from/out of somethingAll the color drained from his face when I told him the news drain of somethingHis face was drained of color.3 [transitive] drain something to empty a cup or glass by drinking everything in itIn one gulp, he drained the glass.She quickly drained the last of her drink.4 [transitive] to make someone or something weaker, poorer, etc. by using up their/its strength, money, etc. drain someone/somethingMy mother's hospital expenses were slowly draining my income.an exhausting and draining experience drain someone/something of somethingI felt drained of energy.Usage notesTopic Collocations: Cookingpreparingprepare a dish/a meal/a menu/dinner/the fishweigh out 4oz of sugar/the ingredientswash/rinse the lettuce/spinachchop/slice/dice the carrots/onions/potatoespeel the carrots/onion/potatoes/garlic/orangegrate a carrot/the cheese/some nutmegremove/discard the bones/seeds/skin/rind/peelblend/combine/mix (together) the flour and water/all the ingredientsbeat/whisk the cream/eggs/egg whitesknead/shape/roll (out) the doughcookingheat the oil in a frying panpreheat/heat the oven/the broilerbring to a boilstir constantly/gently with a wooden spoonreduce the heatsimmer gently for 20 minutes/until reduced by halfmelt the butter/chocolate/cheesedissolve the sugar in waterbrown the meat for 8-10 minutesdrain the pasta/the water from the pot/in a colander/in a strainermash the potatoes/banana/avocadoways of cookingcook food/fish/meat/rice/pasta/a Mexican dishbake (a loaf of) bread/a cake/a pie/potatoes/muffins/cookies/fishboil cabbage/potatoes/an egg/a hot dog/waterfry/deep-fry/stir-fry the chicken/vegetablesbroil meat/steak/chicken/sausagesroast potatoes/peppers/meat/chicken/beefsauté garlic/mushrooms/onions/potatoes/vegetablessteam rice/vegetables/spinach/asparagus/dumplingstoast bread/nutsmicrowave food/popcorn/a frozen dinner/a TV dinnerservingserve in a glass/on a bed of rice/with potatoesarrange the slices on a plate/in layerscarve the meat/chicken/turkeydress/toss a saladdress with/drizzle with olive oil/vinaigrettetop with a slice of lemon/a scoop of ice cream/whipped cream/syrupgarnish with a sprig of parsley/fresh basil leaves/lemon wedges/a slice of lime/a twist of orangesprinkle with salt/sugar/herbs/parsley/freshly ground black pepper