gutter

/ˈɡʌtər/
noun
  1. A channel or pipe along the edge of a roof or street that carries away rainwater.
    • Leaves clogged the gutter, causing water to overflow during the storm.
    • Rainwater from the roof flows into the gutter and then down the drainpipe.
    • The house needs new gutters before the rainy season starts.
  2. A poor or degraded state or condition, often referring to low moral standards or a bad environment.
    • The movie was about a man who rose from the gutter to become a successful businessman.
    • Some politicians drag their opponents' reputations through the gutter.
    • He felt his life had sunk into the gutter after losing everything.
Synonyms
verb
  1. (of a flame or candle) to burn unevenly or flicker, as if about to go out.
    • The old oil lamp guttered, casting strange shadows on the wall.
    • The candle began to gutter in the drafty room.
    • As the wind blew, the campfire guttered and nearly died.
Synonyms
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