water faucet
- noun
- /ˈwɔːtər ˈfɔːsɪt/
- US
- The cold water faucet leaks so slightly it seems to weep city water.
Examples
-
I turned on the outside water faucet and sprayed the snow maze with the hose.
Fiction book (1990) -
Most water samples were collected from the kitchen faucet, and all samples were drawn from the cold-water faucet.
Academic text (2006) -
So this is the water faucet in my kitchen.
-
The last thing about this area, we had individual water faucets run to each spot right here.
-
Suddenly, the hot water faucet turns on by itself.
Fiction book (1990) -
"I turned the cold water faucet."
Fiction book (1993) -
Berger reported that a common Chinese farmer has such luxuries as a single bare electric light bulb and a water faucet he shares with his neighbors.
Academic text (1999) -
I heard her open the little cupboard where I kept my mismatched towels; heard then the familiar creak, cry, and rattle from the hot water faucet over the tub.
Fiction book (2002) -
I tried to fix the leaking water faucet in the kitchen.
-
When you turn on a hot-water faucet during cold weather, it may take several seconds for the water to become hot.
Synonyms
A device that controls liquid flow from a pipe or barrel
A thing that controls the flow of water from a pipe
A small tap that controls liquid coming from a container
A thing that controls the flow of water from a pipe
A valve with a handle you turn to stop or let water flow
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from the constituents: 'water' (the liquid) + 'faucet' (a device that controls flow), so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it refers to the device controlling the flow of water. This is a straightforward noun–noun composition common across languages (with regional synonyms like 'tap' in British English) and therefore highly predictable.
Etymology
Water faucet names the small part you turn to let water out of a pipe or barrel; faucet means that little spout or valve. So, it refers to the device you use to 'turn on' or 'turn off' the water.