- first water
- Meaning
Of the highest quality.OriginFrom 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. 2013.
first water
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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 — noun the highest quality gems • Hypernyms: ↑superiority, ↑high quality * * * noun 1. : the highest quality or purest luster used of gems (as diamonds and pearls) 2. : the highest grade or excellence … Useful english 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 — 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
