[wa.ter] n, often attrib [ME, fr. OE waeter; akin to OHG wazzar water, Gk hydor, L unda wave] (bef. 12c) 1 a: the liquid that descends from the clouds as rain, forms streams, lakes, and seas, and is a major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressible liquid oxide of hydrogen which appears bluish in thick layers, freezes at 0 degrees C and boils at 100 degrees C, has a maximum density at
4. degrees C and a high specific heat, is feebly ionized to hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, and is a poor conductor of electricity and a good solvent b: a natural mineral water--usu. used in pl.
2: a particular quantity or body of water: as a (1) pl: the water occupying or flowing in a particular bed (2) chiefly Brit: lake, pond b: a quantity or depth of water adequate for some purpose (as navigation) c pl (1): a band of seawater abutting on the land of a particular sovereignty and under the control of that sovereignty (2): the sea of a particular part of the earth d: water supply "threatened to turn off the ~"
3: travel or transportation on water "we went by ~"
4: the level of water at a particular state of the tide: tide
5: liquid containing or resembling water: as a (1): a pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparation made with water (2): a watery solution of a gaseous or readily volatile substance--compare ammonia water b archaic: a distilled fluid (as an essence); esp: a distilled alcoholic liquor c: a watery fluid (as tears, urine, or sap) formed or circulating in a living body d: amniotic fluid; also: bag of waters
6. a: the degree of clarity and luster of a precious stone b: degree of excellence "a scholar of the first ~" 7: watercolor
8. a: capital stock not representing assets of the issuing company and not backed by earning power b: fictitious or exaggerated asset entries that give a stock an unrealistic book value -- above water : out of difficulty
[2]water vt (bef. 12c) 1: to moisten, sprinkle, or soak with water
2: to supply with water for drink
3: to supply water to
4: to treat with or as if with water; specif: to impart a lustrous appearance and wavy pattern to (cloth) by calendering
5. a: to dilute by the addition of water--often used with down "~ down the punch" b: to add to the aggregate par value of (securities) without a corresponding addition to the assets represented by the securities ~ vi 1: to form or secrete water or watery matter (as tears or saliva)
2: to get or take water: as a: to take on a supply of water b: to drink water