Pronunciation: [ə͡ʊˈe͡ɪsɪs] (IPA) 
The word "oasis" is spelled with six letters, and it is pronounced as /oʊˈeɪsɪs/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The vowel sound represented by the symbol /oʊ/ is a diphthong pronounced as a combination of the "oh" and "ay" sounds. The 's' and 'i' after the initial vowel sound, /oʊ/, are pronounced with a short vowel sound, represented by the symbol /ɪ/. The final 's' in "oasis" is silent, making the word sound like "oh-ay-sis".
An oasis is a noun that refers to a fertile or green area in a desert, typically characterized by the presence of water. It is a sanctuary or a refuge amidst the arid and inhospitable desert environment. The word "oasis" originates from the ancient Egyptian word "waḥiyya" which describes a place of flourishing vegetation and abundant water sources within a desert landscape.
An oasis is often portrayed as a small paradise in the midst of vast barren surroundings. It serves as a vital resource for both humans and wildlife, providing some relief from the harsh conditions of the desert. The presence of water is the defining feature of an oasis, either from underground springs or where natural depressions collect rainwater.
Oases can vary in size, ranging from a small spring to extensive areas with diverse plant and animal life. Palm trees, grasses, and other vegetation thrive in these areas, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding dryness. Due to their uniqueness and usefulness in such an unforgiving environment, oases have played significant roles in the history of human settlements, acting as important trading posts or stopping points for caravan routes.
Metaphorically, an oasis can also refer to a place or moment of relief, tranquility, or respite amidst a difficult or chaotic situation. It embodies a sense of solace, renewal, and rejuvenation in the midst of challenges or hardships.
A focus or circumscribed area of disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "oasis" originated from the ancient Egyptian word "waḥy" or "wḥ't", which means "fertile place in the desert". This term was then borrowed into the Greek language as "οἶα", "oîa", and later passed into Latin as "oasis". Finally, it entered the English language from Latin, retaining its original meaning of a green and fertile area in the desert.
