First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1ooze
noun \ˈüz\
Definition of OOZE
1
: a soft deposit (as of mud, slime, or shells) on the bottom of a body of water
2
: a piece of soft wet plastic ground
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Origin of OOZE
Middle English wose, from Old English wāse mire; akin to Old Norse veisa stagnant water
Other Ecology Terms
2ooze
verb
: to flow out slowly
: to have (something) flow out slowly
: to show (a quality, emotion, etc.) very clearly or strongly
oozedooz·ing
Full Definition of OOZE
intransitive verb
1
: to pass or flow slowly through or as if through small openings or interstices
2
: to move slowly or imperceptibly <the crowd began to ooze forward — Bruce Marshall>
3
a : to exude moisture b : to exude something often in a faintly repellent manner <ooze with sympathy>
transitive verb
1
: to emit slowly
2
: exude 2 <ooze confidence>
See ooze defined for English-language learners
Origin of OOZE
Middle English wosen, from wose sap
First Known Use: 14th century
3ooze
noun
Definition of OOZE
1
: a decoction of vegetable material used for tanning leather
2
: the act of oozing
3
: something that oozes
Origin of OOZE
Middle English wose sap, juice, from Old English wōs; akin to Old High German waso damp
First Known Use: 1587
OOZE Defined for Kids
1ooze
noun \ˈüz\
Definition of OOZE for Kids
: soft mud : slime
2ooze
verb
oozedooz·ing
Definition of OOZE for Kids
: to flow or leak out slowly
Learn More About OOZE
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