first water

American  

noun

1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone.

2. the finest quality; highest rank.

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first water British  

noun

1. the finest quality of diamond or other precious stone

2. the highest grade or best quality

3. the most extreme kind

   a fool of the first water

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Etymology

Origin of first water

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

The return of Donald Campbell's Bluebird to the spot where the adventurer set his first water speed world record 70 years ago is "humbling", his daughter says.

From BBC

Lee converted and it was 7-7 at the first water break after 20 minutes where Wales players used ice hats and towels to cool themselves.

From BBC

The federal government declared the Colorado River’s first water shortage in 2021.

From Los Angeles Times

The habitat area in Imperial County is being filled with water after an adjacent area called East Pond received its first water in April.

From Los Angeles Times

After their first water farm, they envision building more along the coast.

From Los Angeles Times