leak

A leak is a problem. A hole or a crack suddenly appears in a closed system, thereby releasing air or some kind of liquid. Pipes, tires, engines, hoses, and balloons are all known to develop leaks.

In these examples, the word "leak" is a noun:

• A leak in the engine produced a small puddle of oil underneath the car.
• Because the balloon had a small leak, it gradually released all of its air.
• There’s a leak in a pipe above the ceiling.

In these sentences, "leak" is a verb:

• My car is leaking oil.
• The pipe that leads to the kitchen sink leaks.
• Enough helium leaked out of the balloon so that it wouldn’t float any longer.
• Water leaked into the basement after a big storm.

The word "leaky" is an adjective:

• Leaky pipes in the ceiling caused a big mess for the people in the downstairs apartment.
• I’ve got a leaky faucet.
• A leaky pipeline can wreak havoc in the environment.

It’s also possible to use the word "leak" when describing information given to newspaper reporters and other members of the press.

• A government official leaked information to the press.
• After someone in the company intentionally leaked pictures of the new phone, they went viral.

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May 18, 2013