well2

noun

• 1a shaft sunk into the ground to obtain water, oil, or gas.
• archaic a water spring or fountain.
• (Wells) [in place names] a place where there are mineral springs:Tunbridge Wells
• a depression made to hold liquid:put the flour on a flat surface and make a well to hold the eggs

• 2a plentiful source or supply:she could feel a deep well of sympathy and compassion

• 3an enclosed space in the middle of a building, giving room for stairs or a lift, or to allow light or ventilation.
• British the place in a law court where the clerks and ushers sit.

• 4 Physics a region of minimum potential:a gravity well

verb

• (of a liquid) rise up to the surface and spill or be about to spill:tears were beginning to well up in her eyes
• (of an emotion) develop and become more intense:all the old bitterness began to well up inside her again