Noun
/wɔːtə ˈhoʊldʌp/
"Water holdup" refers to the phenomenon where water is retained in a particular area, usually within the context of soil, rock, or other materials. It is commonly used in fields such as geology, hydrology, and engineering. The term can also refer to the presence of water in a reservoir or its capacity to hold water.
In General English, the frequency of use for "water holdup" is relatively low compared to more common terms. It is more often found in written contexts, particularly in scientific literature, than in everyday oral speech.
The construction team had to account for the water holdup when designing the drainage system.
Translation: La equipe de construcción tuvo que tener en cuenta la retención de agua al diseñar el sistema de drenaje.
Understanding water holdup is crucial for predicting the behavior of groundwater systems.
Translation: Comprender la retención de agua es crucial para predecir el comportamiento de los sistemas de aguas subterráneas.
The engineers measured the water holdup to estimate the soil's permeability.
Translation: Los ingenieros midieron la retención de agua para estimar la permeabilidad del suelo.
The phrase "water holdup" is less frequently found in idiomatic expressions as it is a more technical term. However, there are related idiomatic expressions that involve "water" in a broader context. Below are some examples:
"Water under the bridge"
Meaning: Refers to events or situations that have happened and are now considered resolved or unimportant.
Example: After the argument, we decided it was just water under the bridge and moved on.
Translation: Después de la discusión, decidimos que era solo agua pasada y seguimos adelante.
"Like a fish out of water"
Meaning: Describes a person who feels uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation.
Example: When I started at the new company, I felt like a fish out of water.
Translation: Cuando comencé en la nueva empresa, me sentí como un pez fuera del agua.
"In hot water"
Meaning: Refers to being in trouble or facing difficulties.
Example: He got himself in hot water by ignoring the safety protocols.
Translation: Se metió en problemas por ignorar los protocolos de seguridad.
"Pour cold water on"
Meaning: To discourage someone or to make a negative comment about an idea.
Example: She poured cold water on my plans to start a business.
Translation: Ella echó un balde de agua fría sobre mis planes de comenzar un negocio.
The word "water" comes from Old English "wæter," which stems from Proto-Germanic "watōr" and Proto-Indo-European "wódr̥." The term "holdup" is a compound of "hold" (from Old English "holdan," meaning to grasp or contain) and "up," indicating a position or state of being. Therefore, "water holdup" can be understood as the state of water being held in a specific area.
Synonyms: - Water retention - Water storage - Hydric hold
Antonyms: - Water drainage - Water loss - Dehydration