What term describes land or a body of water that is immediately adjacent to another?

The term that best fits the description of land or a body of water that is immediately adjacent to another is "abutting." This term specifically refers to properties that share a common boundary or are next to each other in a direct manner. In the context of land use and code enforcement, understanding the nuances of how properties relate to one another is important for regulations such as zoning, building permits, and other legal considerations.

While "contiguous" also refers to things that are touching or in close proximity, it can imply a greater area or multiple pieces of land connected together. "Proximal" indicates nearness but does not necessarily imply direct contact or boundaries. "Adjacent" is similar to "abutting," but it typically refers to things that are next to each other without the strong emphasis on the shared boundary that "abutting" carries. Therefore, "abutting" is the most precise term for describing properties that directly border each other.