cutwater \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷\noun 1.: the forepart of a ship's stem — see ship illustration 2.: a structure built around or upstream from a bridge pier with an angle or edge to resist better the action of water, ice, or flotsam : the sharpened end of the pier itself 3.: black skimmer