sap
1
[ sap ]
/ sæp /
noun
verb (used with object), sapped, sap·ping.
to drain the sap from.
Origin of sap
1
before 900; Middle English; Old English
sæp; cognate with Dutch
sap; akin to German
Saft juice, Old Norse
safi; in def. 5 a shortening of
saphead
Words nearby sap
Definition for sap (2 of 2)
sap
2
[ sap ]
/ sæp /
noun
Fortification.
a deep, narrow trench constructed so as to form an approach to a besieged place or an enemy's position.
verb (used with object), sapped, sap·ping.
Fortification.
- to approach (a besieged place or an enemy position) by means of deep, narrow trenches protected by gabions or parapets.
- to dig such trenches in (ground).
to undermine; weaken or destroy insidiously.
verb (used without object), sapped, sap·ping.
Fortification.
to dig a sap.
Origin of sap
2
1585–95; < French
sape (noun), derivative of
saper to dig a trench < Italian
zappare, a military term, based on
zappa hoe (compare dialectal Italian
zappo he-goat < ?)
Example sentences from the Web for sap
British Dictionary definitions for sap (1 of 4)
sap
1
/ (sæp) /
noun
a solution of mineral salts, sugars, etc, that circulates in a plant
any vital body fluid
energy; vigour
slang
a gullible or foolish person
another name for sapwood
verb saps, sapping or sapped (tr)
to drain of sap
Derived forms of sap
sapless, adjectiveWord Origin for sap
Old English
sæp; related to Old High German
sapf, German
Saft juice, Middle Low German
sapp, Sanskrit
sabar milk juice
British Dictionary definitions for sap (2 of 4)
sap
2
/ (sæp) /
noun
a deep and narrow trench used to approach or undermine an enemy position, esp in siege warfare
verb saps, sapping or sapped
to undermine (a fortification, etc) by digging saps
(tr)
to weaken
Word Origin for sap
C16
zappe, from Italian
zappa spade, of uncertain origin; perhaps from Old Italian (dialect)
zappo a goat
British Dictionary definitions for sap (3 of 4)
SAP
1
abbreviation for
South African Police
British Dictionary definitions for sap (4 of 4)
SAP
2
/ (sæp) /
n acronym for (in Britain)
Standard Assessment Procedure, the recognized performance indicator for measuring energy efficiency in buildings
Scientific definitions for sap
sap
[ săp ]
The watery fluid that circulates through a plant that has vascular tissues. Sap moving up the xylem carries water and minerals, while sap moving down the phloem carries water and food.
See cell sap.