water-level

The technician checks the water-level in the storage tank.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The height of a water surface: "water-level" refers to the vertical position or elevation of the surface of a body of water, such as in a lake, river, reservoir, or container.
   • A device for measuring or indicating this height: In technical contexts, "water-level" can also denote an instrument, such as a water gauge or a level tube, used to determine the height of water.

Usage Examples

• Noun (height of water surface):

  • The water-level in the river rose rapidly after the heavy rain. (The vertical position of the river's surface increased.)
  • Check the water-level in the tank before starting the pump. (Measure the height of water inside the container.)

• Noun (measuring device):

  • The engineer used a water-level to ensure the foundation was perfectly horizontal. (A tool with a water-filled tube to check levelness.)
  • The water-level in the boiler needs to be monitored carefully. (A gauge or indicator showing water height in the boiler.)

Advanced Usage

• "above water-level": positioned higher than the surface of the water.

  • The bridge's supports are built above water-level to avoid corrosion. (The structural elements are located higher than the water surface.)

• "below water-level": situated beneath the surface of the water.

  • The submarine operates below water-level to remain undetected. (It moves under the water surface.)

• "water-level indicator": a device that shows the current height of water.

  • The water-level indicator on the aquarium helps monitor evaporation. (The gauge displays water height in the tank.)

Variants and Related Words

• Water level (noun phrase, variant spelling): same meaning as "water-level"; often written without a hyphen.

  • The water level in the well has dropped significantly. (The height of water in the well.)

• Waterline (n): a line marking the surface of water on a ship's hull or on land.

  • The boat's waterline was clearly visible after cleaning. (The line where the water meets the hull.)

Synonyms

• Water height: the vertical measurement of a water surface.

  • The water height in the dam must stay within safe limits. (Synonymous with water-level in the first sense.)

• Water gauge: an instrument for measuring water height.

  • The water gauge on the steam engine needs replacement. (A device similar to a water-level indicator.)

Related Idioms

• At water-level: at the same height as the water surface.

  • The house was built at water-level, making it vulnerable to flooding. (Constructed directly on or near the water surface.)

• Below the water-level: in a hidden or submerged position (figurative).

  • Most of the iceberg's mass is below the water-level. (Literally beneath the surface; figuratively, hidden from view.)