Definition of the word water feature

The term "water feature" is a relatively modern architectural and landscaping term that refers to a design element that intentionally incorporates water into a space, such as a garden, park, or building. The word itself is a composite term that combines two words, "water" and "feature," both of which have their own histories. The word "water" has ancient origins, dating back to Old English "wæter," which means moving liquid. The usage spread throughout Germanic languages and beyond. Interestingly, the Roman word for water, "undā," from which several modern Western European languages draw their word for water, literally means "wave." The concept of a "feature," in the modern, built form sense, stems from the early 19th century English word "featured," meaning "notable" or "distinctive." The term evolved into the more modern usage of "feature" as a standalone term described "a conspicuous or outstanding aspect of something." The phrase "water feature" appears to have first been used in the late 19th century, although it was not common in mainstream usage until the mid-20th century. The term gained popularity in the decades following World War II as landscape design trends shifted toward a focus on incorporating natural elements into built spaces. Today, the term is widely used in industries ranging from landscape design and architecture to aquatics and horticulture, and it is likely to continue evolving as designers and engineers seek out new and innovative ways to incorporate water into the built environment.