English Explanatory Dictionary

watershed

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The topographical boundary dividing two adjacent catchment basins, such as a ridge or a crest.
  2. A region of land within which water flows down into a specified body, such as a river, lake, sea, or ocean; a drainage basin.
  3. A critical point marking a change in course or development.
  4. The time during the day in which material of a more adult nature (e.g., violence, swear words, or sex) may be broadcast on television or radio, either one permitted by law or one contrived from convention (e.g. when children are not watching).
adj
  1. Serving to mark a significant development, change in direction, etc.

Pronunciation

/ˈwɔːtəʃɛd/ wôʹtərshĕd /ˈwɔtɚʃɛd/ en-us-watershed.ogg

Word forms

watershed watersheds

Etymology

From water + shed. A calque of German Wasserscheide.

Synonyms

water parting drainage divide water divide divide catchment basin catchment catchment area drainage area river basin water basin turning point crossroads safe harbor momentous climacteric

Derived words

air shed cultureshed driveshed fibershed foodshed laborshed megashed milkshed problemshed subwatershed viewshed walkshed watershedding watershed moment
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