Dowser

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdaʊzə/

Definitions

1. An individual who claims to find underground resources using tools like rods or sticks typically for locating water or minerals
2. A person engaging in the practice of divination to discover hidden water sources or other resources using specialized implements
3. A practitioner who uses rods or divining tools to identify subterranean water or minerals based on ancient beliefs

Etymology: The "-er" at the end of this word is one of English's most widely used endings. It comes from Latin "-arius," which marked a person connected with a trade or role, as in "scriptor" for a writer. The ending reached English along two routes: Old English "-ere," which was used with native verbs, and Old French "-ier," which carried the Latin form in with borrowed words. Both merged into Middle English "-er," so the ending attached to older English verbs and to French-derived ones alike. Dowser is simply "dowse" with this agent ending, so it names one who performs the dowsing. The base verb is the more obscure part, and the suffix is where the word's ancestry is clearest.

Synonyms: diviner, water witch, dowsing rod user, sensitive, finder