waterworks: Meaning and Definition of

wa•ter•works

1. a complete system of reservoirs, pipelines, conduits, etc., by which water is collected, purified, stored, and pumped to urban users.
2. a pumping station or a purifying station of such a system.
3. Sometimes,a spectacular display of water, mechanically produced, as for a pageant.
4. tears, or the source of tears: to turn on the waterworks.
5. the kidneys.