| 释义 |
waterwork
\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 |