dead water

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noun

water eddying beside a moving hull, especially directly astern.

a part of a stream where there is a slack current.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of dead water

First recorded in 1555–65

I crept up the dead water under the bank, and hadn't no accidents and didn't see nobody.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Complete|Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
It is known that there is a small bay and dead water for some distance within its mouth.
The Indian in his Wigwam|Henry R. Schoolcraft
When the level is driven correctly, with the proper depth of water, it is said to have dead water at the forehead.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
On the ceiling a spot of light flickered with the reflection of the dead water, constantly crossed by lines of shadow.
Woman Triumphant|Vicente Blasco Ibaez

It was a little sheet of marshy water, surrounded by reeds, on which floated some dead water-lily leaves.
The Mystery of the Yellow Room|Gaston Leroux