Wa"ter*shed` (?), n. [Cf. G. wasserscheide; wasser water + scheide a place where two things separate, fr. scheiden to separate.]

1. The whole region or extent of country which contributes to the supply of a river or lake.

2. The line of division between two adjacent rivers or lakes with respect to the flow of water by natural channels into them; the natural boundary of a basin.

Wa"ter*shed` (?), n. [Cf. G. wasserscheide; wasser water + scheide a place where two things separate, fr. scheiden to separate.]

1. The whole region or extent of country which contributes to the supply of a river or lake.

2. The line of division between two adjacent rivers or lakes with respect to the flow of water by natural channels into them; the natural boundary of a basin.

• Region of land where water flows into a specified body of water, such as a river, lake, sea, or ocean.
  
• Topographical boundary between catchment basins.
  
• The time after which material of more adult nature (violence, swear words, sex) can be broadcast in the media.
  
• A critical point marking a change in course or development.