first water

first water
noun
the highest quality gems
Hypernyms: ↑superiority, ↑high quality

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noun
1. : the highest quality or purest luster — used of gems (as diamonds and pearls)
2. : the highest grade or excellence : the highest degree : the first quality

this is choral music of the first water — P.H.Lang

a fool of the first water — Thomas Wolfe

an alarmist of the first water — Katherine Mansfield

* * *

1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. Cf. water (def. 13).
2. the finest quality; highest rank.
[1745-55]

* * *

first water noun
The first or highest quality, or purest lustre, of diamonds and pearls (also figurative)
• • •
Main Entry:first

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • First Water — means highest quality and is a term which originates from the gemstone trade. The clarity of diamonds is assessed by their translucence; the more like water, the higher the quality. This comparison of diamonds with water dates back to at least… …   Wikipedia

  • First water — First First (f[ e]rst), a. [OE. first, furst, AS. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Sw. & Dan. f[ o]rste, OHG. furist, G. f[ u]rst prince; a superlatiye form of E. for, fore. See {For}, {Fore}, and cf. {Formeer}, {Foremost}.] 1. Preceding all others… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • first water — n. the best quality and purest luster: said of diamonds, pearls, etc., but also used figuratively …   English World dictionary

  • first water — /fɜst ˈwɔtə/ (say ferst wawtuh) noun 1. the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. 2. the highest rank, quality or degree: a musician of the first water. {from the grading of diamonds where quality is indicated by… …  

  • first water — first′ wa′ter n. 1) jew (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone Compare water 13) 2) the finest quality; highest rank • Etymology: 1745–55 …   From formal English to slang

  • first water — 1. (formerly) the highest degree of fineness in a diamond or other precious stone. Cf. water (def. 13). 2. the finest quality; highest rank. [1745 55] * * * …   Universalium

  • first water — Meaning Of the highest quality. Origin From the gem trade. The clarity of diamonds is assessed by their translucence. The more like water, the higher the quality …   Meaning and origin of phrases

  • first water — noun Date: 1753 1. the purest luster used of gems 2. the highest grade, degree, or quality …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • first water — noun a) The highest quality of gemstones, especially of diamonds and pearls. b) Of the highest rank or quality …   Wiktionary

  • first water — n. top and highest quality gems …   English contemporary dictionary

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