Cambridge Dictionary of American English
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Definition
tear (EYE LIQUID)
[Hide phonetics]noun [C usually pl]
a drop of salty liquid that flows from the eye when it is hurt or as a result of strong emotion, esp. unhappiness or pain
By the end of the movie I had tears in my eyes (= I was ready to cry).
The child had lost his money and was almost in tears (= crying).
Tear gas is a gas that hurts the eyes and produces tears, and is used sometimes by police to control crowds.
tearful
[Hide phonetics]adjective
with tears of sadness
The school year ended with tearful farewells to favorite teachers and best friends.
