water
Old Englishliquid, aqueous substance
About This Root
From Old English wæter (water), tracing back to Proto-Germanic *watōr and ultimately PIE *wod-or. One of the most basic English roots, forming transparent compounds — natural features (waterfall, watershed), practical qualities (waterproof, watertight), and positional terms (underwater, backwater). The metaphorical extension in 'watershed' (a turning point) shows how a concrete landscape term gained abstract force.
Associated Words · 16
water
the essential clear liquid; to supply water to plants
watershed
A dividing ridge between drainage areas; a critical turning point
waterfall
A steep flow of water over a cliff edge
underwater
Beneath the surface of water; in financial difficulty
watery
Resembling or full of water; overly diluted
watermelon
A large fruit with green rind and sweet red flesh
waterproof
Not allowing water through; to make resistant to water
rainwater
Water collected from rainfall
backwater
Stagnant water held back by a dam; a remote, undeveloped place
watertight
Sealed against water; impossible to disprove or evade
watercourse
A natural or artificial channel for water flow
springwater
Water that flows naturally from a spring
water-clock
An ancient timekeeping device using water flow
water-proof
Resistant to water; not allowing water through
water-resistant
Slowing water penetration but not fully waterproof
water-skiing
The sport of skiing on water towed by a motorboat