cutwater

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

noun

1. Nautical.
   1. the forward edge of the stem of a vessel, dividing the water as the vessel advances.
   2. a vertical timber construction set forward of and following the stem of a wooden vessel below the water line, usually curving forward above the water line to support a beak-head or figurehead.
2. Civil Engineering. a sharply pointed upstream face of a bridge pier, for resisting the effects of moving water or ice.

cutwater

/ ˈkʌtˌwɔːtə /

noun

1. the forward part of the stem of a vessel, which cuts through the water

Word History and Origins

Origin of cutwater¹

First recorded in 1635–45; cut + water