- first water
- n. top and highest quality gems
English contemporary dictionary. 2014.
first water
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First Water — means highest quality and is a term which originates from the gemstone trade. The clarity of diamonds is assessed by their translucence; the more like water, the higher the quality. This comparison of diamonds with water dates back to at least… … Wikipedia
First water — First First (f[ e]rst), a. [OE. first, furst, AS. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Sw. & Dan. f[ o]rste, OHG. furist, G. f[ u]rst prince; a superlatiye form of E. for, fore. See {For}, {Fore}, and cf. {Formeer}, {Foremost}.] 1. Preceding all others… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
first water — 1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. Cf. water (def. 13). 2. the finest quality; highest rank. [1745 55] * * * … Universalium
first water — noun Date: 1753 1. the purest luster used of gems 2. the highest grade, degree, or quality … New Collegiate Dictionary
first water — noun a) The highest quality of gemstones, especially of diamonds and pearls. b) Of the highest rank or quality … Wiktionary
of the first water — {adj. phr.}, {informal} Of the finest quality; superior; very good; best. * /The jeweler chose diamonds of the first water for the queen s crown./ * /The dance program at graduation was of the first water./ Compare: FIRST CLASS … Dictionary of American idioms
of the first water — {adj. phr.}, {informal} Of the finest quality; superior; very good; best. * /The jeweler chose diamonds of the first water for the queen s crown./ * /The dance program at graduation was of the first water./ Compare: FIRST CLASS … Dictionary of American idioms
Water restrictions in Australia — Water restrictions are currently in place in many regions and cities of Australia in response to chronic shortages resulting from drought. Depending upon the location, these can include restrictions on watering lawns, using sprinkler systems,… … Wikipedia
Water skiing — is a sport where an individual (or more than one individual) is pulled behind a motor boat or a cable ski installation on a body of water wearing one or more skis. The surface area of the ski (or skis) keeps the person skimming on the surface of… … Wikipedia
Water — Wa ter (w[add] t[ e]r), n. [AS. w[ae]ter; akin to OS. watar, OFries. wetir, weter, LG. & D. water, G. wasser, OHG. wazzar, Icel. vatn, Sw. vatten, Dan. vand, Goth. wat[=o], O. Slav. & Russ. voda, Gr. y dwr, Skr. udan water, ud to wet, and perhaps … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
water inch — Water Wa ter (w[add] t[ e]r), n. [AS. w[ae]ter; akin to OS. watar, OFries. wetir, weter, LG. & D. water, G. wasser, OHG. wazzar, Icel. vatn, Sw. vatten, Dan. vand, Goth. wat[=o], O. Slav. & Russ. voda, Gr. y dwr, Skr. udan water, ud to wet, and… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
