white water
n.— «Large storage tanks at paper mills—especially those that are stagnant, poorly mixed, or have long material retention times—are at an elevated risk for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Recycled process water, known in the industry as “white water,” contains nutrients that promote growth of the organisms, producing hydrogen or other flammable gases that can be ignited by hot work or other sources of ignition.» —“CSB Investigates Tank Explosion at Cardboard Manufacturer that Killed Three Workers” Safety.BLR.com Aug. 18, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Deb in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, says that when her mother was disappointed or annoyed she’d say Wouldn’t that just cork you? The idea here is that in the same way that a cork that stops up a bottle, an unexpected or irritating event...
A flashlight emits a steady beam of light. So what’s the flash part of that word about? Also, if you’re a nervous Nellie, you’re skittish and indecisive—both characteristics of an American politician who earned that nickname in the...