heavy water

noun

1

: the compound D₂O composed of deuterium and oxygen

called also deuterium oxide

2

: water enriched in deuterium

Examples of heavy water in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Residents who spoke Tuesday said a data center would bring heavy water and energy use, risks to drinking water and Lake Michigan fresh water, higher utility costs, noise and limited job creation. —Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Like ordinary water, heavy water pairs two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom to make each molecule of moisture. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026

During that event, students will walk around the campus to see how heavy water feels when carrying it for long distances, Merlo said. —Julianna Lozada, Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026

The organization will partner with development banks and financial institutions with the intention of improving water systems against droughts and eventually strengthen job creation from jobs requiring heavy water usage. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heavy water

• annunciator
• imprimatur
• underwater
• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater

Kids Definition

heavy water

noun

: water enriched in deuterium

Medical Definition

heavy water

noun

1

: the compound D₂O composed of deuterium and oxygen

called also deuterium oxide

2

: water having a higher-than-usual proportion of deuterium among its hydrogen atoms