water table

water table
    n 1: underground surface below which the ground is wholly
         saturated with water; "spring rains had raised the water
         table" [syn: {water table}, {water level}, {groundwater
         level}]
    

Water table \Wa"ter ta"ble\
   1. (Arch.) A molding, or other projection, in the wall of a
      building, to throw off the water, -- generally used in the
      United States for the first table above the surface of the
      ground (see {Table}, n., 9), that is, for the table at the
      top of the foundation and the beginning of the upper wall.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Hydraulic Engin.) The upper limit of the portion of the
      ground wholly saturated with water. The water table may be
      within a few inches of the surface or many feet below it.
      [Webster 1913 Suppl.]