from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Oasis \O"as*is\ ([=o]"[.a]*s[i^]s or [-o]*[=a]"s[i^]s; 277), n.;
pl. {Oases} (-s[=e]z). [L., fr. Gr. 'o`asis; cf. Copt.
ouahe.]
A fertile or green spot in a waste or desert, esp. in a sandy
desert, where the water table approaches the surface.
[WordNet sense 1] "The Arab does not love the desert; the
Arab loves the oasis and green fields."
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence: (fig.) Any refuge from a prevailing stressful,
unpleasant, or annoying situation. [WordNet sense 2 & 3]
Syn: haven.
[PJC]
My one oasis in the dust and drouth
Of city life. --Tennyson.
[1913 Webster]