English

Noun

blackwater ‎(usually uncountable, plural blackwaters)

1. Waste water likely to contain significant quantities of fecal matter.
   • 2009 March 1, “Letter: Green Cruising Efforts”, in New York Times:

     While Ms. Conlin accurately described some of the efforts visible to cruisers, she veered off course when it came to environmental initiatives below deck. Ms. Conlin failed to report, among other things, that air emissions are regulated and that our industry is exploring new technologies to further reduce emissions; that our ships treat all blackwater; and that advanced wastewater purification systems discharge water cleaner than most municipal water treatment plants.

2. Water containing loam, tannins, etc., giving it a very dark appearance.

Synonyms

• (waste water likely to contain fecal matter): brown water, foul water, sewage

Coordinate terms

• graywater
• greywater
• sullage
• washwater

Translations