Dropping

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈdɹɒpɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The act of allowing something to fall down freely by releasing it ; a tiny quantity of liquid, such as a tear, oil, or other secretion
2. Releasing or falling downward from a higher position ; a diminutive drop of fluid emitted from a surface or body
3. The process of something descending by gravity or by deliberate release ; a minute portion of moisture or secretion produced in small amounts

Etymology: "Dropping" is simply the verb "drop" with the suffix "-ing" attached, and the suffix does the work here. "Drop" is an Old English word, "dropian", meaning to fall in drops or to let fall in drops, and it is related to the Old English "dropa", a drop of liquid. The "-ing" ending turns the verb into a noun meaning the act of falling or letting fall, and the same form also serves as a noun for things that fall, such as the droppings left behind by animals.

Synonyms: falling, descending, plummeting, fall, decline

Antonyms: rising, ascending, increasing