a clear colourless tasteless odourless liquid that is essential for plant and animal life and constitutes, in impure form, rain, oceans, rivers, lakes, etc. It is a neutral substance, an effective solvent for many compounds, and is used as a standard for many physical properties. Formula: H2O
▶ Related adjective: aqueous ▶ Related combining forms: hydro-, aqua-
2.
a.
any body or area of this liquid, such as a sea, lake, river, etc
b.
(as modifier)
water sports
water transport
a water plant
▶ Related adjective: aquatic
3.
the surface of such a body or area
fish swam below the water
4.
any form or variety of this liquid, such as rain
5. high water, low water
6.
any of various solutions of chemical substances in water
lithia water
ammonia water
7. physiology
a.
any fluid secreted from the body, such as sweat, urine, or tears
b. (usually plural)
the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus in the womb
8.
a wavy lustrous finish on some fabrics, esp silk
9. archaic
the degree of brilliance in a diamond
See also first water
10.
excellence, quality, or degree (in the phrase of the first water)
11. finance
a.
capital stock issued without a corresponding increase in paid-up capital, so that the book value of the company's capital is not fully represented by assets or earning power
b.
the fictitious or unrealistic asset entries that reflect such inflated book value of capital
12. (modifier) astrology
of or relating to the three signs of the zodiac Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces
Compare air (sense 20), earth (sense 10), fire (sense 24)
13. above the water
14. hold water
15. in deep water
16. make water
17. pass water
18. test the water
19. throw cold water on
20. water under the bridge
verb
21. (transitive)
to sprinkle, moisten, or soak with water
22. (transitive; often foll bydown)
to weaken by the addition of water
23. (intransitive)
(of the eyes) to fill with tears
24. (intransitive)
(of the mouth) to salivate, esp in anticipation of food (esp in the phrase make one's mouth water)
25. (transitive)
to irrigate or provide with water
to water the land
he watered the cattle
26. (intransitive)
to drink water
27. (intransitive)
(of a ship, etc) to take in a supply of water
28. (transitive) finance
to raise the par value of (issued capital stock) without a corresponding increase in the real value of assets
29. (transitive)
to produce a wavy lustrous finish on (fabrics, esp silk)