Cutwater

Origin

cut + water

Full definition of cutwater

Noun

1. (nautical) The forward curve of the stem of a ship
2. The wedge of a bridge pier, that resists the flow of water and ice.
3. A black skimmer; a sea bird of the species Rynchops niger, that flies low over the sea, "cutting" the water surface with its lower mandible to catch small fish.