1. The forward part of a ship's prow that cuts through the water; the sharp edge of a ship's bow.
Usage: nautical; plural of cutwater
2. A structure or pier that projects into water to break the force of a current or to protect a bridge.
Usage: civil engineering; plural of cutwater

Examples

• The ship's cutwaters sliced cleanly through the rough seas.
• The bridge's cutwaters were designed to withstand strong river currents.
• Modern naval architects carefully shape cutwaters to reduce water resistance.
• The old harbor had stone cutwaters built to protect the docks from waves.
• As the vessel moved forward, its cutwaters created a distinctive wake pattern.