waterwork

noun

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

a

: an ornamental or spectacular display of water mechanically produced : fountain, cascade

—usually used in plural

b(1)

obsolete : a mechanical contrivance for raising and distributing water

(2)

waterworks plural : the whole system of reservoirs, 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

(2)

slang : kidneys

3

waterworks plural : tears or the shedding of tears

Word History

Etymology

Middle English waterwerk, from water + werk, wurk, work work

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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