waterwork

Meanings

1. A machine or mechanism for raising or carrying water.
2. A textile fabric used like tapestry.
3. Some action or activity done on, in, or using water.
4. A style of painting executed in distemper or size, on canvas or a wall, intended to resemble a tapestry; (countable) such a painting.
5. Alternative form of waterworks.
6. A hydraulic apparatus by which a supply of water is furnished for ornamental purposes; also, an ornamental fountain or waterfall.
7. Engineering works relating to the conveyance and flow of fluids (principally water), such as the collection and distribution of water, drainage, irrigation, etc.

Etymology

From Late Middle English [Term?], analysable as water + work.