water-line noun. ['wɔ:tǝlʌɪn] E17.
[formed as WATER-LEVEL + LINE noun².]
1. Nautical. The line along which the surface of the water touches the side of a floating ship etc. (marked on a ship's hull for use in loading); a ship's line of flotation. Also = load-water-line s.v. LOAD noun. E17.

2. Shipbuilding. Any of various structural lines of a ship, parallel with the surface of the water, representing the contour of the hull at various heights above the keel. M18.

3. The outline of a coast. L18.

4. = WATER-TABLE 4. M19.

5. A linear watermark in paper. M19.

6. A stain on a wall showing where a roof formerly terminated. L19.

■ waterlined adjective (of paper) marked with water-lines E20.

■ waterliner noun a shot that hits a vessel on the water-line L19.

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