water-towed
|wa-ter-towed|
🇺🇸
/ˈwɔːtərˌtoʊd/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɔːtəˌtəʊd/
(water-tow)
pulled through/on water
Etymology
'water-towed' is a modern English compound formed from 'water' (Old English 'wæter') and the past participle of 'tow' (from Old English 'tōwan'/'tōgian', meaning 'to pull').
The element 'water' comes from Old English 'wæter' (from Proto-Germanic *watōr). 'Tow' as a verb developed in Old English from roots meaning 'to pull'; the past participle formed the compound phrase 'water-towed' in modern usage to describe objects pulled through water.
Originally the components simply meant 'water' and 'to pull'; over time the compound came to be used descriptively for objects 'pulled through or on water' (i.e., 'towed by a vessel').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'water-tow' — to have towed something through or on water.
They water-towed the damaged yacht to the nearest marina.
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Adjective 1
being towed in or on water (usually by a boat, tug, or other watercraft).
The water-towed barge followed closely behind the tugboat.
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Last updated: 2025/12/29 16:31