Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Cutwater \Cut"wa`ter\ (k[u^]t"w[add]`t[~e]r), n. (Naut.)
   1. The fore part of a ship's prow, which cuts the water.

   2. A starling or other structure attached to the pier of a
      bridge, with an angle or edge directed up stream, in order
      better to resist the action of water, ice, etc.; the
      sharpened upper end of the pier itself.

   3. (Zo["o]l.) A sea bird of the Atlantic ({Rhynchops nigra});
      -- called also {black skimmer}, {scissorsbill}, and
      {razorbill}. See {Skimmer}.