waterworks

Meaning

1. The water supply system of a district, town, city, or other place, including reservoirs, pipes, and pumps.
2. Any single facility, such as a filtration plant or pumping station, within such a system.
3. (figuratively, informal) Often in the form turn on the waterworks: crying or tears, especially in a way that is considered manipulative or over-emotional.
4. (figuratively, informal) Rain.
5. (British, euphemistic, figuratively) The genitourinary system.
6. (historical) A hydraulic apparatus by which a supply of water is furnished for ornamental purposes; also, an ornamental fountain or waterfall.
7. (archaic) Engineering works relating to the conveyance and flow of fluids (principally water), such as the collection and distribution of water, drainage, irrigation, etc.

waterwork

1. A machine or mechanism for raising or carrying water.
2. A textile fabric used like tapestry.
3. Some action or activity done on, in, or using water.
4. A style of painting executed in distemper or size, on canvas or a wall, intended to resemble a tapestry; (countable) such a painting.
5. Alternative form of waterworks
6. Alternative form of waterworks

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Synonyms

water company

reservoir

water works

water plant

water-treatment plant

water injector

moistener

water-service installation

Translations

Wasserwerk

acquedotto

συντριβάνια

impianto idrico

giochi d’acqua

Wasserwerke

πίδακες

Brauchwasserleitung

Wasserzuleitung

Wasserversorgung

σύστημα υδρεύσεως

station hydraulique

systéme hydraulique

station de traitement d'eau

εργοστάσιο ύδρευσης

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈwɔːtəˌwəːks/

Etymology

From water + works (“machine, mechanism; factory or factories”).