Drizzle
Etymology
Possibly from Old English "drēosan" ("to fall, drop"), the same fall-verb behind "dreary" and "drowse." The frequentative "-le" ending gives the sense of small, repeated falling.
noun · /DRIZ-uhl/
Light rain made of very fine, closely spaced droplets that seem to hang in the air.
What it names
The specific fine, persistent rain that is more nuisance than downpour.
Example
A grey drizzle set in and never quite became rain.
Related idea
Drizzle is fine and gentle; a deluge is its opposite — a sudden, overwhelming downpour.
verb · /DRIZ-uhl/
To pour a thin, trickling stream of liquid over food.
What it names
a finishing technique in cooking
Example
Drizzle the salad with olive oil just before serving.
Related idea
The kitchen sense borrows the image of fine, light rain. Compare garnish and macerate.