water glass

or water·glass

noun

1. a drinking glass; tumbler.
2. a glass container for holding water, as for growing bulbs, plants, or the like.
3. a glass tube used to indicate water level, as in a boiler.
4. a device for observing objects beneath the surface of the water, consisting essentially of an open tube or box with a glass bottom.
5. sodium silicate.

water glass

noun

1. a viscous syrupy solution of sodium silicate in water: used as a protective coating for cement and a preservative, esp for eggs
2. another name for water clock water gauge

Word History and Origins

Origin of water glass¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

I attribute a server pouring wine into my water glass to opening night jitters.

From Washington Post

Each time I make a meal for my children, their water glasses evoke warm Mediterranean days and the tang of Dijon mustard.

From Washington Post

The president gets a big hand from the crowd when, displaying leadership, he drinks from a water glass with one hand.

From Washington Post

A good method for the preservation of eggs is the use of sodium silicate, or water glass.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, to assist the housewife, detailed directions for using lime water and water glass for this purpose are here given.

From Project Gutenberg

One quart of water glass will make sufficient solution to cover about 12 dozen eggs.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, there is always this danger--that water-glass may come into general use in making soap, and this is to be deplored.

From Project Gutenberg

This product is obtained by thickening water-glass with stearine, oleine, or any other easily saponifiable fat.

From Project Gutenberg