oasis

 
Pronunciation: /əʊˈeɪsɪs/

noun (plural oases /-siːz/)

  • 1a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found: a country of oases and burning desert sands
  • a pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult or hectic place or situation: the park is an oasis of calm in the centre of the city
  • 2 (Oasis) [mass noun] trademark a type of rigid foam into which the stems of flowers can be secured in flower arranging: cover the ball of Oasis with leaves and moss

Origin:

early 17th century: via late Latin from Greek, apparently of Egyptian origin

Spelling rule

Make the plural by changing the -is ending to -es: (oases).