oasis — ODE · Shobdo

oasis /əʊˈeɪsɪs

▸ noun

(plural oases /əʊˈeɪsiːz/)

1 a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found:

a country of oases and burning desert sands.

▪ a pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult or hectic place or situation:

the park is an oasis of calm in the centre of the city.

2 [mass noun] trademark (Oasis) a type of rigid foam into which the stems of flowers can be secured in flower arranging:

cover the ball of Oasis with leaves and moss.

– ORIGIN early 17th century: via late Latin from Greek, apparently of Egyptian origin.