blackwater

[ blak-waw-ter, -wot-er ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any of several human or animal diseases characterized by the production of dark urine as a result of the rapid breakdown of red blood cells.
2. blackwater fever.

blackwater

/ blăk′wô′tər /

1. Wastewater containing bodily or other biological wastes, as from toilets, dishwashers, or kitchen drains.
2. Compare graywater

Word History and Origins

Origin of blackwater¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; black + water

Example Sentences

The disease can produce severe maternal anemia, iron deficiency, or it can spread to the kidneys and the lungs and cause a condition known as blackwater fever.

From Salon

The deaths are believed to have been caused by hypoxic blackwater, a naturally occurring phenomenon which causes extremely low oxygen levels.

From BBC

The campus has an on-site blackwater treatment center to recycle water so that it can be used for irrigation and the building’s toilets.

From Washington Post

“One evening a marine biologist took us on a blackwater dive,” Nielsen said.

From New York Times

In blackwater diving, however, powerful underwater lights are attached to a tether to illuminate the water, often attracting animals, including sharks.

From New York Times