first water
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Noun [edit]
first water (uncountable)
- The highest quality of gemstones, especially of diamonds and pearls.
- 1880, Cornwall, HB, “Gems and Precious Stones”, in Patterson, WM editor, The Growing world; or, Progress of civilization, and the wonders of nature, science, literature and art, interspersed with a useful and entertaining collection of miscellany[1], page 20:
- To be the first water a diamond must be absolutely colorless, very lustrous, and perfectly free from flaws.
- 1880, Cornwall, HB, “Gems and Precious Stones”, in Patterson, WM editor, The Growing world; or, Progress of civilization, and the wonders of nature, science, literature and art, interspersed with a useful and entertaining collection of miscellany[1], page 20:
- (by extension) Of the highest rank or quality.
