puddle
pud·dle / ˈpədl/ • n. 1. a small pool of liquid, esp. of rainwater on the ground: splashing through deep puddles| fig. a little puddle of light. 2. clay and sand mixed with water and used as a watertight covering for embankments.• v. [tr.] 1. wet or cover (a surface) with water, esp. rainwater: the cobbles under our feet were wet and puddled. ∎ [intr.] (of liquid) form a small pool: rivulets of water coursed down the panes, puddling on the sill. ∎ [intr.] archaic dabble or wallow in mud or shallow water: children are playing and puddling about in the dirt. ∎ [intr.] (puddle around/about) inf. occupy oneself in a disorganized or unproductive way: the Internet is just the latest excuse for puddling around at work.2. line (a hole) with puddle. ∎ knead (clay and sand) into puddle. ∎ work (mixed water and clay) to separate gold or opal. ∎ [usu. as n.] (puddling) chiefly hist. stir (molten iron) with iron oxide in a furnace, to produce wrought iron by oxidizing carbon.DERIVATIVES: pud·dler / ˈpədlər; ˈpədl-ər/ n.pud·dly / ˈpədlē; ˈpədl-ē/ adj.