Word Study
watershed
CIDE DICTIONARY
watershed, n. [Cf. G. wasserscheide; wasser water + scheide a place where two things separate, fr. scheiden to separate.].
- The whole region or extent of country which contributes to the supply of a river or lake. [1913 Webster]
- The line of division between two adjacent rivers or lakes with respect to the flow of water by natural channels into them; the natural boundary of a basin; -- called also
divide andwater parting . [1913 Webster] - a point in time marking an important transition between two situations, or phases of an activity; a turning point. [PJC]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
watershed, n.
1 a line of separation between waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.
2 a turning-point in affairs.
1 a line of separation between waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.
2 a turning-point in affairs.
Etymology
WATER + shed ridge of high ground (rel. to SHED(2)), after G Wasserscheide
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