/waw"teuhr werrks', wot"euhr-/ , n. , pl. waterworks .
1. ( used with a sing. or pl. v. ) a complete system of reservoirs, pipelines, conduits, etc., by which water is collected, purified, stored, and pumped to urban users.
2. ( used with a sing. v. ) a pumping station or a purifying station of such a system.
3. ( usually used with a pl. v. ) Sometimes, waterwork . a spectacular display of water, mechanically produced, as for a pageant.
4. ( used with a sing. or pl. v. ) Slang. tears, or the source of tears: to turn on the waterworks.
5. Slang. the kidneys.
[ 1400-50; late ME; see WATER, WORKS ]