Basin

/ˈbeɪ.sən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A bowl-shaped vessel, typically used for holding liquids or for washing.

She filled the basin with warm water to wash her hands.

A low-lying area of land, especially one that is drained by a river and its tributaries.

The Amazon Basin is the largest rainforest in the world.

A geologic term referring to a depression in the Earth's surface, often containing sedimentary rocks.

The sedimentary layers were deposited in the basin over millions of years.

A specific area or region where certain activities occur, such as a drainage basin.

The water management plan focused on improving the environmental health of the entire watershed basin.

A container for holding water, often used in baths.

He showed her how to fill the basin for the soaking bath.

Middle English from Old French 'baisun', from Latin 'basis', meaning foundation.

drain the basin:

To remove or empty the contents of a basin.

basin of influence:

An area where a particular agenda or influence is prevalent.

watershed basin:

A region where water collects and drains into a common outlet.

To hit the metaphorical 'basin', meaning to reach rock bottom or a low point.

After losing his job, he felt like he had finally hit the basin.

In some contexts, 'basin' can refer humorously to someone who is overly dramatic or emotional.

Oh, stop being such a basin over the breakup!