VocabDictionary

lees

/liːz/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The sediment or dregs of wine or other fermented liquors that settle at the bottom of a container during aging or fermentation.

Example Sentences:
  • The winemaker carefully separated the white wine from its lees to preserve its fresh flavor profile.
  • Ages of fermentation left a fine coating of lees at the bottom of the oak cask.
2.noun

The dregs or most worthless part of something; the lowest or most degraded elements.

Example Sentences:
  • He searched through the very lees of society to find inspiration for his gritty novel.
  • They drank the cup of sorrow down to the very lees.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “lees”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English, plural of *lee* (sediment), from Old French *lie*, of uncertain origin, possibly from Celtic (compare Breton *liou* color, stain, or Irish *liath* gray) or Late Latin *liia*.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'lees' as the 'least desirable' sediment at the bottom of a wine bottle.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “lees

1. What is the meaning of “lees” in English?

In English, lees (noun) is defined as: “The sediment or dregs of wine or other fermented liquors that settle at the bottom of a container during aging or fermentation.”.

2. How do you use “lees” in a sentence?

The winemaker carefully separated the white wine from its lees to preserve its fresh flavor profile.

3. What are English synonyms of “lees”?

Common synonyms include:sediment,dregs,residue,grounds,settlings

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “lees”?

Middle English, plural of *lee* (sediment), from Old French *lie*, of uncertain origin, possibly from Celtic (compare Breton *liou* color, stain, or Irish *liath* gray) or Late Latin *liia*.