WATER.
Comprises Oceans, Seas, Lakes, Gulfs or Bays, Havens or Harbours, Straits, Channels, Sounds, and Rivers.
An Ocean is a large expanse of water not separated by land.
A Sea is a lesser extent of water than an ocean, almost surrounded by land.
A Lake is a large collection of water in the interior of a country;—generally fresh. A salt water lake is called a Sea.
A Gulf or Bay is a part of the sea extending up into the land.
A Haven or Harbour is a small portion of water, almost enclosed by land, where ships may lie safely at anchor.
A Strait is a narrow communication between two large collections of water. If it be so shallow as to be sounded, it is called a Sound.
A Channel is the deepest part of a river. A Strait is also sometimes called a Channel.
The vapours which rise from the surface of the earth ascend to the clouds, whence they fall in dew, snow, or rain, to water the earth, and supply springs, and small streams or rivers.
A River is an inland stream of water flowing from an elevated portion of land into some larger stream or body of water. The commencement of a river is called its SOURCE, or RISE; the direction to which it flows, its COURSE; and its communication with any other water, its MOUTH.
If the mouth of a river, which flows into an ocean or sea be wide, and is affected by tides, it is called an Estuary or Frith.
A Cataract or Falls is formed by a sudden declivity or precipice in the course of a river, over which the water falls with great force.
A Canal is an artificial passage for water, supplied from an elevated lake or river; and is constructed for the purpose of inland navigation. Canals often pass under mountains and over rivers.
Standing water, and low grounds filled with water, are called Morasses, Bogs, and Fens; or, as in the United States, Swamps.