Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
drawing off

drawing off

6.4
The act of removing liquid from a container or place
  • noun
translation icon : extracción
  • The drawing off of excess water prevented flooding in the field.

Examples

  • The drawing off of blood for tests is a common procedure.

  • Routine drawing off of fluids is necessary during maintenance of the machine.

  • After the drawing off of oil, the mixture was ready for testing.

  • The drawing off of water from the well took several hours.

  • The drawing off of excess water from the flooded fields helped prevent damage to the crops.

  • By the drawing off of oil from the barrels, the workers were able to refuel the machines.

  • The drawing off of the mixture resulted in a clearer liquid that was suitable for consumption.

Synonyms

drainage
vsdrawing off
43 3.5

Removing liquid so it flows away from a place or object

describes general removal from a source not limited to channel flow
drawing
vsdrawing off
1 5.6

Taking water or electricity from a source for use

focuses specifically on removing liquids or other substances rather than broader resources
derivation
vsdrawing off
  • Specialized
1 7.4

Removing water from a river or source for use

is framed as an act of removing from a source

Antonyms

addition
293 1.4

The act of putting one thing with another

How Much

emptying
1.8
drawing off
6.4
decantation
  • Specialized
8.1
skimming
1 5.0

Surface Forms

drawing off singular
drawings off plural

Morphology

drawing + off

The meaning 'the act of removing or draining' is directly compositional from 'drawing' (withdrawing/removing) plus 'off' (indicating removal), so a learner who knows both words can infer the noun's sense. This construction follows a common English pattern and has clear cross-linguistic parallels, making it readily understandable at B1 level.

Etymology

The noun drawing off comes from the simple image of drawing liquid off a barrel or tank with a tap or pipe, taking some fluid away from the rest. That's why it means 'removing' or 'draining' liquid from a source.