aquatic

[ uh-kwat-ik, uh-kwot- ]

adjective

1. of, in, or pertaining to water.
2. living or growing in water:

   aquatic plant life.

3. taking place or practiced on or in water:

   aquatic sports.

noun

1. an aquatic plant or animal.
2. aquatics, sports practiced on or in water.

aquatic

/ əˈkwɒt-; əˈkwætɪk /

adjective

1. growing, living, or found in water
2. sport performed in or on water

noun

1. a marine or freshwater animal or plant

aquatic

/ ə-kwăt′ĭk /

1. Relating to, living in, or growing in water.

Other Words From

• a·quati·cal·ly adverb
• nona·quatic adjective
• transa·quatic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquatic¹

1480–90; < Latin aquāticus, equivalent to aqu ( a ) water + -āticus ( -ate ¹, -ic ); replacing late Middle English aquatyque < Middle French < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquatic¹

C15: from Latin aquāticus, from aqua water

Example Sentences

Approximately 3.3  billion people rely on aquatic foods for nutrition, which accounts for almost 20% of the average per capita consumption of animal protein.

From Salon

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy acknowledged drawbacks to use of retardant, including harm to aquatic life if it spills into waterways.

From Los Angeles Times

Senior officer Janine Maclean said it was "very sad the pollutions had such serious impacts - killing fish and other aquatic life".

From BBC

The first is a study from the journal Current Biology found that ctenophores, a phlyum of aquatic invertebrates better known as comb jellies, can successfully fuse together after being injured.

From Salon

“I’m concerned and anxious about what the Trump administration could mean for water, and especially biodiversity protection in aquatic habitats.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amphibious
• floating
• marine
• maritime