noun

blackwater

Blackwater (noun) means Water that looks naturally dark because it carries dissolved organic matter such as decaying leaves or tannins. Example: “The blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin look almost like strong tea.”

noun

Water that looks naturally dark because it carries dissolved organic matter such as decaying leaves or tannins.

"The blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin look almost like strong tea."

"Blackwater streams are common in swampy, forested lowlands."

Wastewater from toilets that contains human waste, as distinct from "greywater" from sinks and showers.

"The cabin's septic system separates blackwater from greywater for treatment."

How to use blackwater

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDark, tannin-stained natural water, or separately, sewage water from toilets.

Common mistake

Context tells the two meanings apart — river/ecology writing means the dark natural water; plumbing and sanitation writing means toilet wastewater.

Word forms

blackwaters plural

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The _____ rivers of the Amazon basin look almost like strong tea.

Etymology

A compound of "black" and "water," describing water that looks dark rather than clear.

Rhymes for blackwater

pater mater eater tater later cater hater Water heater skater grater beater

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Frequently asked questions

What does “blackwater” mean?

The word “blackwater” means water that looks naturally dark because it carries dissolved organic matter such as decaying leaves or tannins. In plain terms, dark, tannin-stained natural water, or separately, sewage water from toilets.

How do you use “blackwater” in a sentence?

Here is “blackwater” used in a sentence: “The blackwater rivers of the Amazon basin look almost like strong tea.”

What part of speech is “blackwater”?

“Blackwater” is a noun.

How many meanings does “blackwater” have?

“Blackwater” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: water that looks naturally dark because it carries dissolved organic matter such as decaying leaves or tannins.