■ noun
1》 the liquid which forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms. [Chemical formula: H 2 O.]
↘one of the four elements in ancient and medieval philosophy and in astrology.
↘( ~s ) the ~ of a mineral spring as used medicinally.
↘a solution of a specified substance in ~: ammonia ~.
↘urine.
↘( ~s ) amniotic fluid, especially as discharged shortly before birth.
2》 ( the ~ ) a stretch of ~, such as a river, sea, or lake.
↘the surface of this.
↘[as modifier ] found in, on, or near the ~.
↘( ~s ) an area of sea regarded as under the jurisdiction of a particular country.
3》 the quality of transparency and brilliance shown by a diamond or other gem.
4》 Finance capital stock which represents a book value greater than the true assets of a company.
■ verb
1》 pour ~ over (a plant or an area of ground).
↘give a drink of ~ to (an animal).
↘take a fresh supply of ~ on board (a ship or steam train).
2》 (of the eyes or mouth) produce tears or saliva.
3》 dilute (a drink, typically an alcoholic one) with ~.
↘( ~ something down ) make something less forceful or controversial by changing or leaving out certain details.
4》 (of a river) flow through (an area).
5》 Finance increase (a company's debt, or nominal capital) by the issue of new shares without a corresponding addition to assets.
Phrases
like ~ in great quantities.
make ~
1》 urinate.
2》 (of a ship or boat) take in ~ through a leak.
of the first ~
1》 (of a diamond or pearl) of the greatest brilliance and transparency.
2》 referring to a person or thing unsurpassed of their kind: she was a bore of the first ~.
under ~ submerged; flooded.
the ~ of life whisky.
~ on the brain informal hydrocephalus.
~ under the bridge (or N. Amer. ~ over the dam ) past events that are over and done with.
Derivatives
~er noun
~less adjective
Origin
OE wæter (n.), wæterian (v.), of Gmc origin.