SINCE 1828
waterwork
nounDefinition of waterwork
1
: something (as a tank, dock, canal lock, levee, or seawall) built in, for, or as a protection against water
2
: a mechanism, contrivance, or set of equipment for handling water: such as
b(1)
obsolete
: a mechanical contrivance for raising and distributing water
(2)
waterworks plural
: the whole system of resevoirs, channels, mains, and pumping and purifying equipment by which a water supply is obtained and distributed to consumers
also
: a pumping or purifying station of such a system
c waterworks plural
(1)
: the channels by which sap or other vital fluid is handled in the living body
the complex waterworks of a tree
3
waterworks plural
: tears or the shedding of tears
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