cutwater

[ kuht-waw-ter, -wot-er ]
/ ˈkʌtˌwɔ tər, -ˌwɒt ər /

noun

Nautical.
  1. the forward edge of the stem of a vessel, dividing the water as the vessel advances.
  2. a vertical timber construction set forward of and following the stem of a wooden vessel below the water line, usually curving forward above the water line to support a beak-head or figurehead.
Civil Engineering. a sharply pointed upstream face of a bridge pier, for resisting the effects of moving water or ice.

Origin of cutwater

First recorded in 1635–45; cut + water

British Dictionary definitions for cutwater

cutwater
/ (ˈkʌtˌwɔːtə) /

noun

the forward part of the stem of a vessel, which cuts through the water