rain/reign/rein

rain (rān)

Noun

• Water condensed from atmospheric vapour and falling in drops.
• A heavy or abundant fall: a rain of fluffy cottonwood seeds; a rain of insults.

Verb. Intransitive

• To fall in drops of water from the clouds.
• To fall like rain: Praise rained down on the composer.
• To release rain.

Verb. Transitive

• To send or pour down.
• To give abundantly; shower: rain gifts; rain curses upon their heads.

reign (rān)

Noun

• Exercise of sovereign power, as by a monarch.
• The period during which a monarch rules.
• Dominance or widespread influence: the reign of reason.

Verb. Intransitive

• To exercise sovereign power.
• To hold the title of monarch, but with limited authority.
• To be predominant or prevalent: Panic reigned as the fire spread.

rein (rān)

Noun

• A long narrow leather strap attached to each end of the bit of a bridle and used by a rider or driver to control a horse or other animal. Often used in the plural.
• A means of restraint, check, or guidance.
• A means or an instrument by which power is exercised. Often used in the plural: the reins of government.

Verb. Transitive

• To check or hold back by or as if by the use of reins. Often with in, back, or up.
• To restrain or control.

Verb. Intransitive

• To control a horse, for example, with reins.