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. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] 3. (Zool.) A sea bird of the Atlantic ({Rhynchops nigra}); -- called also {black skimmer}, {scissorsbill}, and {razorbill}. See {Skimmer}. [1913 Webster]