Collins English-English Dictionary

water ['wɔːtə]

1. 1. n 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

2. 2. n any body or area of this liquid, such as a sea, lake, river, etc

3. 3. n (as modifier)

   water sports

   water transport

   a water plant

4. 4. n the surface of such a body or area

   fish swam below the water

5. 5. n any form or variety of this liquid, such as rain

6. 6. n See high water low water

7. 7. n any of various solutions of chemical substances in water

   lithia water

   ammonia water

8. 8. n [physiol] any fluid secreted from the body, such as sweat, urine, or tears

9. 9. n [usually plural] the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus in the womb

10. 10. n a wavy lustrous finish on some fabrics, esp silk

11. 11. n [Archaic] the degree of brilliance in a diamond - See also first water

12. 12. n excellence, quality, or degree (in the phrase of the first water)

13. 13. n [Finance] 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

14. 14. n the fictitious or unrealistic asset entries that reflect such inflated book value of capital

15. 15. n [modifier] [astrology] of or relating to the three signs of the zodiac Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces - Compare air earth fire

16. 16. n See test

17. 17. vt. [tr] to sprinkle, moisten, or soak with water

18. 18. vt. [tr; often foll by down] to weaken by the addition of water

19. 19. vi. [intr] (of the eyes) to fill with tears

20. 20. vi. [intr] (of the mouth) to salivate, esp in anticipation of food (esp in the phrase make one's mouth water)

21. 21. vt. [tr] to irrigate or provide with water

    to water the land

    he watered the cattle

22. 22. vi. [intr] to drink water

23. 23. vi. [intr] (of a ship, etc) to take in a supply of water

24. 24. vt. [tr] [Finance] to raise the par value of (issued capital stock) without a corresponding increase in the real value of assets

25. 25. vt. [tr] to produce a wavy lustrous finish on (fabrics, esp silk)

26. 26. vt. See also water down

27. 27. vt. [Etymology] Old English wæter, of Germanic origin; compare Old Saxon watar, Old High German wazzar, Gothic wato, Old Slavonic voda; related to Greek hudor