freshwater
|fresh-wa-ter|
🇺🇸
/ˈfrɛʃˌwɔtər/
🇬🇧
/ˈfrɛʃˌwɔːtə/
non-saline water
Etymology
'freshwater' originates from Old English, specifically the words 'fresc' meaning 'fresh' and 'wæter' meaning 'water'.
'fresc wæter' transformed into the Middle English word 'fresch water', and eventually became the modern English word 'freshwater'.
Initially, it meant 'water that is fresh or not salty', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
water that is not salty, especially when considered as a habitat for organisms.
The lake is a source of freshwater for the community.
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Adjective 1
relating to or living in water that is not salty.
Freshwater fish are often found in lakes and rivers.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35