WATERWORK


Meaning of WATERWORK in English

ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun

Etymology: Middle English waterwerk, from water + werk, wurk, work work — more at work

1. : something (as a tank, dock, canal lock, levee, or seawall) built in, for, or as a protection against water

2. : a mechanism, contrivance, or set of equipment for handling water: as

a. : an ornamental or spectacular display of water mechanically produced : fountain , cascade — usually used in plural

b.

(1) obsolete : a mechanical contrivance for raising and distributing water

(2) waterworks plural : the whole system of resevoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed to consumers ; also : a pumping or purifying station of such a system

c. waterworks plural

(1) : the channels by which sap or other vital fluid is handled in the living body

the complex waterworks of a tree

(2) slang : kidneys

3. waterworks plural : tears or the shedding of tears

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.