WATER

Definition of WATER

WATER Noun

Water is a noun that refers to the transparent, odorless, tasteless liquid essential for the survival of most forms of life. It covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface in oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and glaciers, and is a fundamental component of various biological processes.

Essential for Life: Water is indispensable for life on Earth, serving as a vital component of biological systems and metabolic processes. It is crucial for hydration, nutrient transport, temperature regulation, waste removal, and the maintenance of bodily functions in humans, animals, and plants.

Universal Solvent: Water is often referred to as the “universal solvent” due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, including salts, sugars, gases, and other molecules. This property makes it essential for chemical reactions, nutrient absorption, and the transportation of dissolved nutrients and gases within living organisms.

Hydrological Cycle: The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, describes the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans through processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and groundwater infiltration. It plays a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate, weather patterns, and ecosystem dynamics.

Natural Resource: Water is a finite natural resource that is essential for various human activities, including agriculture, industry, energy production, and sanitation. Access to clean and safe water is essential for human health, hygiene, and socio-economic development, yet many regions face challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.

Environmental Importance: Water plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting diverse habitats and ecosystems. Aquatic environments such as oceans, rivers, wetlands, and coral reefs are home to a wide range of plant and animal species, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds for marine life and contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Water holds cultural, spiritual, and symbolic significance in many societies and religions around the world. It is often associated with purification, renewal, fertility, and healing rituals, and is revered as a sacred element in various cultural traditions and ceremonies.

Global Challenges: Despite its abundance on Earth, access to clean and safe water remains a significant global challenge, with millions of people lacking access to adequate water resources for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene. Addressing water-related issues such as scarcity, pollution, inequitable distribution, and unsustainable management practices requires coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels.

In conclusion, water is a precious and essential resource that sustains life, supports ecosystems, and shapes the environment on Earth. Its properties and functions are diverse and far-reaching, influencing various aspects of biological, ecological, social, and cultural systems. As a fundamental element of the planet’s hydrological cycle, water plays a central role in shaping Earth’s climate, landscapes, and biodiversity, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship and conservation efforts to ensure its availability and sustainability for future generations.


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Examples of WATER in a sentence

  • Water is essential for all forms of life, playing a crucial role in various biological processes.
  • She drank a glass of water to quench her thirst after a long walk in the sun.
  • The water in the lake was crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky.
  • The city implemented conservation measures to preserve water resources during times of drought.
  • He enjoyed swimming in the cool water of the ocean, feeling refreshed and invigorated.
  • Water covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, primarily in the form of oceans and seas.
  • The sound of running water from the fountain provided a soothing background noise in the garden.
  • Farmers rely on water irrigation systems to nourish crops and ensure agricultural productivity.

Etymology of WATER

The term water has ancient origins and its etymology is complex:

  • Proto-Indo-European Roots: The word “water” is believed to have Indo-European roots, with cognates found in various ancient languages. In Proto-Indo-European, the reconstructed root *wodr meant “water.”
  • Old English Influence: In Old English, the word for “water” was “wæter” or “wætur,” which closely resembles its modern English counterpart. Old English was spoken in England from around the mid-5th century to the mid-12th century.
  • Germanic and Norse Influence: The word “water” is also found in other Germanic languages, such as German “Wasser” and Dutch “water.” Additionally, Old Norse had the word “vatn,” which is related to “water.”
  • Common Germanic Origin: These Germanic languages share a common Germanic root, which is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *wodr.
  • Indo-European Root Wed: Some linguists propose that the Proto-Indo-European root *wed (water) may have been derived from the concept of “wetness” or “to wet,” reflecting the fundamental nature of water as a liquid that wets or moistens.

Overall, the etymology of water reflects its ancient Indo-European roots and its evolution through various Germanic languages to its modern form in English. Its fundamental importance to human civilization is evident in its presence and significance across cultures and languages throughout history.

Synonyms

  • H₂O
  • Aqua
  • H2O molecule
  • Hydrogen oxide
  • Hydrogen hydroxide
  • Dihydrogen monoxide
  • Liquid H₂O
  • Solvent

Antonyms

  • Fire
  • Drought
  • Dehydration
  • Dryness
  • Aridity
  • Thirst
  • Desiccation
  • Parchedness

Related

  • Hydrogen
  • Oxygen
  • Hydration
  • Liquid
  • Fluid
  • Aquatic
  • H2O
  • Drinking

🌐 🇬🇧 WATER in other languages

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