gutter

US /ˈɡʌt̬.ɚ/
UK /ˈɡʌt̬.ɚ/
"gutter" picture
1.

a shallow trough fixed to the eaves of a roof for carrying off rainwater

:
The leaves clogged the gutter, causing water to overflow.
We need to clean out the gutters before the heavy rain.
2.

a shallow channel at the side of a street or road, to carry off rainwater and rubbish

:
The ball rolled into the gutter.
He found a lost wallet lying in the street gutter.
3.

a state of extreme poverty, degradation, or squalor

:
He rose from the gutter to become a successful businessman.
His life spiraled down into the gutter after he lost his job.
1.

(of a candle or lamp) melt and drip down, especially with the flame flickering or going out

:
The candle began to gutter as the wax melted unevenly.
The flame of the lantern began to gutter in the strong wind.