binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
"The chef carefully measured the water to ensure it would dissolve the salt perfectly for his soup."
the part of the earth's surface covered with water (such as a river or lake or ocean)
"they invaded our territorial waters"
"they were sitting by the water's edge"
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)
"Ancient philosophers like Empedocles believed that water was a fundamental element shaping all things in the universe."
a facility that provides a source of water
"the town debated the purification of the water supply"
"first you have to cut off the water"
A substance (of molecular formula H₂O) found at room temperature and pressure as a clear liquid; it is present naturally as rain, and found in rivers, lakes and seas; its solid form is ice and its gaseous form is steam.
"After the heavy rain filled the local river with fresh water, we finally had enough to fill our buckets for drinking."
The liquid form of this substance: liquid H₂O.
"She poured a glass of water to quench her thirst after running in the heat."
In plain English: Water is a clear liquid that covers most of Earth and is essential for all living things to survive.
"The children played in the water all afternoon."
Usage: Use "water" to refer to the clear liquid essential for life that is found in nature as rain, rivers, and oceans. Do not use it to describe other liquids or fluids unless specifically distinguishing them from water.
secrete or form water, as tears or saliva
"My mouth watered at the prospect of a good dinner"
"His eyes watered"
To pour water into the soil surrounding (plants).
"After checking that the garden was dry, I went outside to water the rose bushes before sunset."
In plain English: To water is to pour liquid onto something to help it grow or stay moist.
"He decided to water his plants every morning."
Usage: Use the verb water when you are pouring liquid onto plants or other vegetation to help them grow. Do not use it for drinking fluids or washing objects unless specifically referring to cleaning with a hose.
The word "water" entered English directly from Old Norse and Germanic roots referring to the liquid essential for life, retaining its original meaning throughout history. Unlike surnames derived from it in various cultures, the common noun traveled into English without significant shifts in definition or pronunciation changes over time.