(noun)
1: a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
2: a cavity or vessel used to contain liquid
3: an abundant source; "she was a well of information" [syn: wellspring, fountainhead]
4: an open shaft through the floors of a building (as for a stairway)
5: an enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane's landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship's pumps ad
Well : (verb)
1: (often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well'); "the children behaved well"; "a task well done"; "the party went well"; "he slept well"; "a well-argued thesis"; "a well-planned party"; "the baby can walk pretty good" [syn: good] [ant: ill]
2: thoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form; "The problem is well understood"; "she was well informed"; "shake well before using"; "in order to avoid food poisoning be sure the meat is well cooked"; "well-done beef", "well-satisfied customers"; "well-educated"
3: indicating high probability; in all likelihood; "I might well do it"; "a mistake that could easily have ended in disaster"; "you may well need your umbrella"; "he could equally well be trying to deceive us" [syn: easily]
4: (used for emphasis or as an intensifier) entirely or fully; "a book well worth reading"; "was well aware of the difficulties ahead"; "suspected only too well what might be going on"
5: to a suitable or appropriate extent or degree; "the project was well underway"; "the fetus has well developed organs"; "his father was well pleased with his grades"
6: favorably; with approval; "their neighbors spoke well of them"; "he thought well of the book" [ant: ill]
7: to a great extent or degree; "I'm afraid the film was well over budget"; "painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger"; "the house has fallen considerably in value"; "the price went up substantially" [syn: considerably, substantially]
8: with great or especially intimate knowledge; "we knew them well" [syn: intimately]
9: with prudence or propriety; "You would do well to say nothing more"; "could not well refuse"
10: with skill or in a pleasing manner; "she dances well"; "he writes well" [ant: badly]
11: in a manner affording benefit or advantage; "she married well"; "The children were settled advantageously in Seattle" [syn: advantageously] [ant: badly, badly]
12: in financial comfort; "They live well"; "she has been able to live comfortably since her husband died" [syn: comfortably]
13: without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor; "took the joke well"; "took the tragic news well" [ant: badly] (verb)

1: come up; "Tears well in her eyes" [syn: swell]