water back

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noun

a reservoir or arrangement of tubing at the back of certain stoves or fireplaces for containing water to be heated by the fire.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of water back

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Words nearby water back

watchword, water, waterage, water arum, water ash, water back, water bag, water bailiff, water ballet, water-base paint, water bath

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use water back in a sentence

“We spent half and hour bringing boiling water back and forth to break the ice,” says Burchiel.
Tragedy in a Lion’s Lair: Sanctuary Intern Died Following Her Passion|Christine Pelisek|March 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But soon, he must have walked that mile along the causeway, over the water back to Miami.
Advocates Reached Out to Ronald Poppo Before He Was Face-Eating Victim|Aram Roston|June 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Barack Obama walked on water back then and Greenwald saw the press paddling right behind him.
Can This Film Save Afghanistan?|Gail Sheehy|October 10, 2009|DAILY BEAST
When the water pipes connecting a range boiler become frozen, get a plumber and avoid an explosion of the water back.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various

It was weeks before the pumps could force the water back into the Gulf.
Hunters Out of Space|Joseph Everidge Kelleam
But I jumped up and bent over the stern to shove my rod deep into the water back of the propeller.
Tales of Fishes|Zane Grey
Then they carried a newly dipped pail of fresh spring water back to camp, for their first supper under the tamarack trees.
The Girl Scouts at Camp Comalong|Lillian Garis
Arcane took a bucket of water back from camp and after drinking it and resting awhile the ox was driven down to the spring.
Death Valley in '49|William Lewis Manly

British Dictionary definitions for water back

water back

noun

the US name for back boiler

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012