1. plural of freshwater; bodies of water or water systems that contain little or no salt, such as rivers, lakes, and streams
Usage: commonly used in environmental and ecological contexts
2. organisms, fish, or species that live in freshwater environments
Usage: often used in biology and ecology

Examples

• The freshwaters of the Great Lakes support diverse ecosystems.
• Many freshwaters around the world are threatened by pollution.
• Trout and bass are common freshwaters fish species.
• Conservation efforts focus on protecting freshwaters from contamination.
• The region's freshwaters provide drinking water for millions of people.
• Scientists study freshwaters to understand climate change impacts.
• Freshwaters make up only a small percentage of Earth's total water.