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freshwater

adj. · n.
US //ˈfɹɛʃˌwɔtɝ// UK //fɹˈɛʃwɔːtɐ// fresh·wa·ter
  1. 1 not salty (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    describing water that does not contain salt, such as the water in most lakes and rivers.

    relating to or consisting of water that is not salty. Often used to categorize bodies of water that are not oceans or seas.

    Example

    Many people prefer swimming in freshwater lakes because there is no salt to sting their eyes.

    Example

    The local ecosystem relies on a steady supply of freshwater from the mountains to maintain the health of the wetlands.
    • non saline
  2. 2 living in fresh water (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    describing animals or plants that live in water that is not salty.

    denoting organisms that inhabit non-saline environments. This is a non-gradable classification in biology.

    Example

    Trout are popular freshwater fish that you can find in many mountain streams.

    Example

    Biologists are studying how certain freshwater species adapt when their habitats are contaminated by agricultural runoff.
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  1. 3 economic theory (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Technical Academic Science

    a style of economic thinking from universities near the Great Lakes in the US.

    referring to a school of macroeconomic thought associated with researchers at US universities near the Great Lakes, typically favoring free-market models.

    Example

    The professor explained the differences between freshwater and saltwater economic theories.

    Example

    Freshwater economists generally argue that government intervention is less effective than market-based solutions during a recession.
  2. 4 inexperienced sailor (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary

    used to describe a sailor who has only worked on rivers or lakes and lacks experience on the open sea.

    describing a mariner who is unskilled or inexperienced in seafaring, traditionally because their experience is limited to inland waters.

    Example

    The old captain laughed at the freshwater sailors who were afraid of a little storm.

    Example

    The crew looked with suspicion upon the freshwater recruit, doubting his ability to handle the rigors of a transatlantic voyage.
  3. 5 water without salt (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    water that does not have salt in it.

    water that is not salty; an alternative spelling or form of the compound noun 'fresh water'.

    Example

    The island has a limited supply of freshwater for the tourists.

    Example

    Access to clean freshwater remains one of the most significant challenges for developing nations in the twenty-first century.
    • drinking water
Origin

From Middle English freche watur, fresshe water; equivalent to fresh + water.

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