blackwater

plural blackwaters · alternative black water

1. Water, especially in a river or other body of water, that has a naturally dark appearance.
   1. uncountableusuallyWater that contains dark organic matter such as loam or tannins.First known use 15th c.
   2. uncountableusuallyriver classificationWater that is acidic and low in nutrients.First known use 20th c.
2. uncountableusuallyBlackwater fever; malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.First known use 19th c.

   She began talking of the way they had died – blackwater, malaria, a neglected appendix.

   1954, Doris Lessing, A Proper Marriage, HarperPerennial, published 1995, page 155

3. uncountableusuallyWaste from domestic toilets; water containing fecal matter.First known use 20th c.

   1 more example

   Ms. Conlin failed to report, among other things, that air emissions are regulated and that our industry is exploring new technologies to further reduce emissions; that our ships treat all blackwater; and that advanced wastewater purification systems discharge water cleaner than most municipal water treatment plants.

   2009 March 1, “Letter: Green Cruising Efforts”, in New York Times

   Synonyms: brown water, foul water, sewage

1. A surname from Navajo used by the Navajo people.
2. A place or river in England:
   1. A river in Essex, which flows into the North Sea at Bradwell.

      1 more example

      The principal water-barrier of this type is the muddy estuary of the tidal River Blackwater, which is last bridged in the seaward direction at the ancient town of Maldon. […] In those days, yachting on the east coast was a favourite relaxation, and it was proposed to extend the line for 1¾ miles to a pier on the River Blackwater, where yachts could be moored.

      1950 December, R. C. J. Day and R. K. Kirkland, “The Kelvedon & Tollesbury Light Railway”, in Railway Magazine, pages 838, 839

   2. A river in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, which joins the River Loddon; the Hampshire town of Blackwater is on this river.
   3. A river in Wiltshire and Hampshire, which joins the River Test.
   4. A village in St Agnes parish, Cornwall (OS grid ref SW7346).
   5. A town in Blackwater and Hawley parish, Hart district, Hampshire (OS grid ref SU8559).
   6. A village in Arreton parish, Isle of Wight (OS grid ref SZ5086).
3. Any of several rivers in Ireland
4. Any of several rivers in Ireland:
   1. A river in County Fermanagh and County Armagh, Northern Ireland, with a stretch on the border with County Monaghan, Ireland; the river flows into Lough Neagh.