n.
- the liquid which forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms.
[Chemical formula: H2O.]
▸one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy and in astrology.
▸
(waters)
the water of a mineral spring as used medicinally.
▸a solution of a specified substance in water:
ammonia water.
▸urine.
▸
(waters)
amniotic fluid, especially as discharged shortly before birth.
-
(the water)
a stretch of water, such as a river, sea, or lake.
▸the surface of this.
▸
[as modifier]
found in, on, or near the water.
▸
(waters)
an area of sea regarded as under the jurisdiction of a particular country.
- the quality of transparency and brilliance shown by a diamond or other gem.
- Finance capital stock which represents a book value greater than the true assets of a company.
v.
- pour water over (a plant or an area of ground).
▸give a drink of water to (an animal).
▸take a fresh supply of water on board (a ship or steam train).
- (of the eyes or mouth) produce tears or saliva.
- dilute (a drink, typically an alcoholic one) with water.
▸
(water something down)
make something less forceful or controversial by changing or leaving out certain details.
- (of a river) flow through (an area).
- Finance increase (a company's debt, or nominal capital) by the issue of new shares without a corresponding addition to assets.
Phrase
- like water
in great quantities. - make water
- urinate.
- (of a ship or boat) take in water through a leak.
- of the first water
- (of a diamond or pearl) of the greatest brilliance and transparency.
- referring to a person or thing unsurpassed of their kind:
she was a bore of the first water.
- under water
submerged; flooded. - the water of life
whisky. - water on the brain
informal hydrocephalus. - water under the bridge
(or N. Amer. water over the dam)
past events that are over and done with.
Derivative
- waterer n.
- waterless adj.
Etymology
OE wæter (n.), wæterian (v.), of Gmc origin.