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water

n. · v.
US //ˈwɔtɝ// UK //wˈɔːtɐ// wa·ter
  1. 1 the liquid (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    the clear liquid that falls as rain and fills the oceans.

    the clear, colourless, odourless, and tasteless liquid (H2O) essential for most plant and animal life.

    Example

    He drank a large glass of cold water after his long run.

    Example

    The chemical properties of water allow it to act as a universal solvent, facilitating countless biological processes within the human body.
  2. 2 an area of water (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a large area of water, like a sea or a lake.

    a body of water such as a sea, lake, or river; often used in the plural to refer to a specific region of the sea.

    Example

    The boat sailed into international waters early this morning.

    Example

    Navigating these treacherous waters requires a deep understanding of the local currents and seasonal weather patterns.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural ('waters') when referring to international boundaries or a specific territory.
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  1. 3 utility service (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the system that brings water into a building through pipes.

    the supply of water to a community or building through a system of pipes and pumps.

    Example

    The city turned off the water while they fixed the broken pipe.

    Example

    The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the water and heating systems are maintained in accordance with local safety regulations.
  2. 4 financial inflation (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Finance

    extra value added to a company's stocks that is not real.

    the excess valuation of a company's assets or securities beyond their true value.

    Example

    The investors were worried about the amount of water in the company's stock.

    Example

    The audit revealed significant water in the balance sheet, suggesting that the firm's assets had been aggressively overvalued to attract venture capital.
  3. 5 to give water to plants (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to pour water on plants so they can grow.

    to supply plants or soil with water to promote growth.

    Example

    Don't forget to water the tomatoes while I am away on holiday.

    Example

    The automated system is programmed to water the greenhouse crops at intervals that correspond to the current humidity levels.
    • irrigate
    • moisten
    • dry out
  4. 6 to dilute (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a liquid weaker by adding water to it.

    to reduce the strength or concentration of a liquid by adding water or another solvent.

    Example

    The juice was too sweet, so I had to water it down a bit.

    Example

    The bar was accused of watering down the spirits to increase their profit margins during the festival.

    Usage

    Often used as the phrasal verb 'water down'.
  5. 7 eyes or mouth (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    when your eyes or mouth produce liquid.

    to produce or secrete moisture, such as tears in the eyes or saliva in the mouth.

    Example

    The smell of fresh bread made my mouth water.

    Example

    Her eyes began to water as she chopped the onions for the soup.
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