water pillars

Noun

water pillar (plural water pillars)

1. A waterspout (whirlwind).
   • A vivid account of such water-pillar instability is given in "The Young Castaways;" while a similar illustration of the transitory character of the desert sand-columns is supplied by the author of "The Tropical World."1892, The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary on the Old Testament, page 264
2. Synonym of water crane.
   • I prefer attaching the coking crane to the "water pillar" (by which water is supplied to the locomotive or tender), by means of brackets or other iron work.1854, Charles Meason, “No 889: Supplying Fuel and Water to Locomotive Engines, &c.”, in English Patents of Inventions, Specifications: 1854, 846 - 890

   Synonyms:

   water crane

3. A power-generation mechanism that makes use of the pressure differential created by changing water levels due to tide action, which is used to drive turbines or pumps.
   • Electricity is generated by the vibrating water pillar type water valve integration system using four air chambers, with an output of 130kW provided by the horizontal axle type induction generator […]1994, New Technology Japan - Volume 22, page 35
4. A framework or initiative that focuses on water resources in sustainable development and climate action.
   • The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is acting as the key partner for the energy pillar, with the International Fund for Agricultural Development as the key partner for the food pillar and the African Development Bank as the key partner for the water pillar.2023, The Big Push for Transformation Through Climate and Development, page 24
5. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see water, pillar.; a pillar formed of water.
   • The 110-foot pile which had struct the hidden stream at a dept of 86 feet, when the geyser-like water pillar spurted up skywards nearly 100 feet has been raised to the surface.1913 January 1, “San Francisco's Hidden Water”, in Fire and Water Engineering, volume 53, page 10