water

wa•ter

[[t]ˈwɔ tər, ˈwɒt ər[/t]] n.

1) chem. a transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid, a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, H₂O, freezing at 32°F or 0°C and boiling at 212°F or 100°C, that in a more or less impure state constitutes rain, oceans, lakes, rivers, etc

2) a special form or variety of this liquid, as rain

3) Often, waters. this liquid in an impure state as obtained from a mineral spring

4) geo the liquid content of a river, inlet, etc., with reference to its relative height, esp. as dependent on tide:

a difference of 20 feet between high and low water[/ex]

5) the surface of a stream, river, ocean, etc.:

boats on the water[/ex]

6) waters

a) flowing water, or water moving in waves

b) the sea or seas bordering a particular country or continent

7) a liquid preparation, esp. one used for cosmetic purposes:

lavender water[/ex]

8) med Often, waters

a) amniotic fluid

b) the bag of waters; amnion

9) chem. any of various solutions of volatile or gaseous substances in water:

ammonia water[/ex]

10) phl any liquid or aqueous organic secretion, exudation, humor, or the like, as tears, perspiration, or urine

11) bus fictitious assets or the inflated values given to the stock of a corporation

12) a wavy, lustrous pattern or marking, as on silk

13) jew (formerly) the degree of transparency and brilliancy of a diamond or other precious stone

14) to sprinkle or drench with water

15) to supply with water, as a ship

16) to supply (animals) with drinking water

17) geo to supply (land, a region, etc.) with water, as by streams or irrigation

18) to dilute, weaken, or adulterate with or as if with water (often fol. by down):

to water down a reprimand[/ex]

19) bus to issue or increase the par value of (shares of stock) without having the necessary assets (often fol. by down)

20) to produce a wavy, lustrous pattern, marking, or finish on (fabrics, metals, etc.)

21) to discharge, fill with, or secrete water or liquid, as the eyes when irritated

22) to drink water, as an animal

23) of or pertaining to water in any way:

a water journey[/ex]

24) holding, or designed to hold, water

25) worked or powered by water

26) heating, pumping, or circulating water (often used in combination):

a hot-water furnace[/ex]

27) used in or on water:

water skis[/ex]

28) containing or prepared with water

29) located or occurring on or by water

30) residing by or in, or ruling over, water:

water people; water deities[/ex]

•

- by water hold water in deep water keep one's head above water, like water make one's mouth water make water

Etymology: bef. 900; ME; OE wæter, c. OS watar, OHG wazzar; akin to ON vain, Go wato, Hittite watar, Gk hýdōr wa′ter•er, n.