oasis
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a place in a desert where there is water and plants can grow.
a fertile spot in a desert where water is found, typically supporting vegetation and human habitation.
Simple“The travellers were relieved to find a small oasis with palm trees after days in the hot sand.”
In context“The ancient caravan routes were determined by the location of oases, which provided the only reliable water sources in the vast expanse of the Sahara.”
UsageThe plural form is 'oases'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a calm or pleasant place that is different from the noisy or busy area around it.
a figurative sanctuary or peaceful situation that provides a contrast to surrounding turmoil, noise, or unpleasantness.
Simple“The small park in the centre of the city is a quiet oasis for office workers.”
In context“In the midst of the frantic holiday shopping season, the library remained a silent oasis for those seeking to escape the crowds.”
From Late Latin Oasis, from Ancient Greek Ὄασις (Óasis), from Demotic Egyptian wḥj, from Egyptian wḥꜣt (“oasis, cauldron”), G43-V28-G1-X1:N25 Compare Sahidic Coptic ⲟⲩⲁϩⲉ (ouahe) and Arabic وَاحَة (wāḥa).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.