washout
/ˈwɔʃˌaʊt/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.52 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
The erosion of a relatively soft surface by a sudden gush of water; also, a channel produced by this action.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The erosion of a relatively soft surface by a sudden gush of water; also, a channel produced by this action.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "No. 21C9 was in need of a boiler washout and though she was carefully and assiduously fired and use made of the fire-irons during the run, it was not possible to maintain steam, which often fell as low as 210 lb."
- "In recent months, as we have already reported, boiler washouts of Stratford's "Britannia" Pacifics have been carried out at Norwich, owing to the better staff situation at the latter shed, […]"
- "The cistern was fitted with washouts and air-valves."
- "In a message to NR [National Rail] staff on August 14, Haines said: "It's not just Scotland impacted by extreme wet weather. This week we have seen, and will continue to see, heavy rain fall. This has caused washouts and landslips across the length and breadth of Great Britain.""
- "The Austin picnic was a washout, rained all day."
- "Illawarra turns blue in Liberal washout [title]"
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈwɔʃˌaʊt/
- British English: /ˈwɒʃaʊt/
Usage
- Countable
- Uncountable
- Slang
- British usage