ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English waterwey, from Old English wæterweg, from wæter water + weg way — more at water , way
1. : a way or channel by which water may pass or escape ; often : a made and often grassed channel that is provided to carry storm water away from a point where it is likely to cause erosion
2.
a. : the outer planking of a deck of a ship which is much heavier than the rest of the deck and of which the inboard edge is grooved to form a passage for water to the scuppers ; also : the passage so formed — see ship illustration
b. : passage in a steel ship formed by angle irons and the deck stringer
3.
a. : breadth of water available for passage (as of boats) : fairway 1a
the waterway of a canal
b. : a way or route for traffic by water : a navigable body or course of water
the Great Lakes provide a waterway to the heart of the continent
4. : the open passage area in a cock or valve