What does "oasis" mean?

1. (desert water source) a place in a desert where there is water and plants can grow. 2. (peaceful place) a calm or pleasant place that is different from the noisy or busy area around it.

oasis

US //oʊˈeɪsɪs// UK //əʊˈeɪsɪs// oa·sis

1 desert water source (n.)
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.

Example

The travellers were relieved to find a small oasis with palm trees after days in the hot sand.

Example

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.

Usage

The plural form is 'oases'.
- spring
- watering hole
2 peaceful place (n.)
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.

Example

The small park in the centre of the city is a quiet oasis for office workers.

Example

In the midst of the frantic holiday shopping season, the library remained a silent oasis for those seeking to escape the crowds.

Origin

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).