blackwater

[blak-waw-ter, -wot-er]

noun

Pathology.

1. any of several human or animal diseases characterized by the production of dark urine as a result of the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.

2. blackwater fever.

blackwater

1. Wastewater containing bodily or other biological wastes, as from toilets, dishwashers, or kitchen drains.

2. Compare graywater

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackwater¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; black + water

Example Sentences

The disease can produce severe maternal anemia, iron deficiency, or it can spread to the kidneys and the lungs and cause a condition known as blackwater fever.

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The deaths are believed to have been caused by hypoxic blackwater, a naturally occurring phenomenon which causes extremely low oxygen levels.

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The campus has an on-site blackwater treatment center to recycle water so that it can be used for irrigation and the building’s toilets.

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“One evening a marine biologist took us on a blackwater dive,” Nielsen said.

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In blackwater diving, however, powerful underwater lights are attached to a tether to illuminate the water, often attracting animals, including sharks.

Read more on New York Times