water-bed

water-bed

A patient rests comfortably on a water-bed in the hospital room.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A bed with a water-filled mattress: "water-bed" refers to a bed or mattress that is partially or completely filled with water, typically encased in a durable vinyl or rubber shell, designed to provide support and comfort for sleeping or medical use.
    • Medical term: In medical contexts, a "water-bed" is a specialized mattress used to prevent pressure sores or alleviate discomfort for bedridden patients, often made of rubber or similar material.
Usage Examples

  • General use:

    • She bought a new water-bed to help with her back pain. (A bed with a water-filled mattress for comfort.)
    • The hotel room featured a luxurious water-bed with temperature control. (A bed designed for relaxation.)

  • Medical use:

    • The hospital provided a water-bed for the patient to reduce the risk of bedsores. (A therapeutic mattress for medical care.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Water-bed effect": A metaphorical term used in physics or engineering to describe a system where a disturbance in one area causes a compensating effect elsewhere, analogous to water shifting in a water-bed.
    • The water-bed effect in the economy means that lowering taxes in one sector can lead to inflation in another.
Variants and Related Words

  • Waterbed (n): an alternative spelling, often used interchangeably with "water-bed".

    • He prefers a waterbed for its even weight distribution. (Same meaning as water-bed.)

  • Water-filled mattress (n): a synonym for water-bed, emphasizing the construction.

    • The water-filled mattress was too heavy to move. (A mattress containing water.)
Synonyms
  • Aqua bed: a less common term for a water-bed.
  • Hydraulic mattress: a technical term for a water-filled mattress used in medical settings.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "water-bed" as a noun. However, related phrases include:
    • "Fill the water-bed": to add water to the mattress.
      • He had to fill the water-bed before using it. (Add water to the mattress.)
Related Idioms
  • None common idioms directly use "water-bed", but the concept appears in:
    • "Like a water-bed": describing something that shifts or adjusts under pressure.
      • The negotiations were like a water-bed — every concession created a new demand. (A situation where changes cause compensatory effects.)