I've always wondered about what makes a body of water a lake or a pond.  The dictionary says a pond is smaller than a lake, but I know of ponds that are bigger than some named lakes.  I've also heard it said that lakes can be fed by some other source, but I know of some ponds that are fed by streams and springs.  Anyone have a DEFFINATIVE answer for this?  Or is it just a problem with who names the water?

I was always under the understanding that a lake had some sort of current ie creek or river, and ponds didnt.

I was always under the understanding that a lake had some sort of current ie creek or river, and ponds didnt.

NOT ALWAYS TRUE.

I KNOW OF PONDS THAT ARE SPRING FED AND FLOW FROM ONE POND TO THE NEXT AND THEN CONNECTS TO A LAKE BY A SMALL CREEK.  

IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE NAMED BY THE SIZE, BUT SOMETIMES YOU FIND A NAMED LAKE..SMALLER THAN A POND.

TO ME...ANYTHING I CAN WALK AROUND IN LESS THAN 15 MINUTES IS A POND TO ME WHETHER IT IS CALLED A LAKE OR NOT.