Water

Definition

Water is a noun referring to a transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance that is essential for life, composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H₂O). As a verb, it means to pour or sprinkle water on something, such as plants, or to excrete water from the body, as in watering eyes.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɔː.tɚ/
• Respelling: WAW-tur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwɔː.tə/
• Respelling: WAW-tuh

Etymology

The word "water" originates from Old English "wæter," derived from Proto-Germanic "*watōr" and Proto-Indo-European "*wódr̥," meaning "water." It has cognates in many languages, including Dutch "water," German "Wasser," and Latin "undā," emphasizing its fundamental and universal importance.

Derivatives

• Watery (adjective)
• Watering (noun/verb)
• Waterborne (adjective)
• Waterproof (adjective/verb)
• Waterless (adjective)

Synonyms

• H₂O
• Aqua
• Liquid

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "water" is used in both scientific and everyday contexts, as in "Humans cannot survive without water." As a verb, it is commonly used in gardening, as in "Please water the plants regularly."

Related Terms

• Hydration: The process of absorbing water.
• Liquid: A state of matter characterized by fluidity.
• Aquatic: Related to water or living in water.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A transparent, tasteless liquid essential for life: Refers to the chemical compound H₂O.
  • Example: "Fresh water is essential for drinking and sanitation."
• A body of water: Refers to natural formations such as lakes, rivers, and seas.
  • Example: "The boat floated on the calm waters of the lake."
• Used metaphorically to indicate fluidity or transparency: Refers to abstract concepts.
  • Example: "The plan holds no water in practice."

Verb

• To pour or sprinkle water on something: Refers to hydrating plants or other objects.
  • Example: "She watered the flowers every morning."
• To excrete or produce moisture: Refers to bodily reactions or actions involving water.
  • Example: "His eyes began to water from the smoke."