vannet

Vannet is the definite form of the Norwegian noun vann, meaning water. In standard Bokmål, vann is used for the general concept, while vannet is the definite singular form used when referring to a specific body of water. In Nynorsk the corresponding forms are vatn and vatnet. The word appears in many common phrases and compound terms, such as vannkraft (hydropower), vannverk (waterworks), and vannforsyning (water supply).

Vannet is cognate with Danish vand and Swedish vatten and ultimately derives from Old Norse vatn, from Proto-Germanic *vatn, related to English water. The term is used across Scandinavian languages to denote the substance that makes up seas, lakes and rivers, and is distinguished from ice and steam by state or temperature.

Water is a colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid essential for life. Its chemical formula is H2O. At typical Earth conditions it is liquid, with a density of about 1 g/cm3 at 4°C. It expands slightly on freezing. Water circulates through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff and plant transpiration (the hydrological cycle).

Humans rely on vann for drinking water, hygiene, agriculture and industry. Management focuses on water quality, supply security and sustainable usage, including freshwater resources, flood control, and protection of aquatic ecosystems.