< Back
freshwater
Definition
Freshwater is water that contains less than 1% salt. It is found in lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. Freshwater is essential for life on Earth. It is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and irrigating crops.
Freshwater is also home to many different types of plants and animals. Some of these plants and animals are found nowhere else on Earth.
Freshwater is a precious resource. It is important to protect freshwater sources from pollution and overuse.
How can the word be used?
The fish live in freshwater.
Different forms of the word
Noun: freshwater, freshwaters.
Adjective: freshwater.
Verb: freshwater.
Etymology
The word "freshwater" comes from the Old English words *frēos, which means “not salty”, and *wæter, which means "water".
The word "freshwater" first appeared in English in the 13th century. It was originally used to refer to water that was not salty, as opposed to seawater. However, the word's meaning has since expanded to include any water that is not salty, regardless of its source.
Question
What is freshwater and where can it be found?