aquarium

[ uh-kwair-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural a·quar·i·ums, a·quar·i·a [uh, -, kwair, -ee-, uh].

1. a glass-sided tank, bowl, or the like, in which fish or other living aquatic animals or plants are kept.
2. a building or institution in which fish or other aquatic animals or plants are kept for exhibit, study, etc.

aquarium

/ əˈkwɛərɪəm /

noun

1. a tank, bowl, or pool in which aquatic animals and plants are kept for pleasure, study, or exhibition
2. a building housing a collection of aquatic life, as for exhibition

Other Words From

• a·quari·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquarium¹

1840–50; blend of Latin aquārius of or for water ( aqu ( a ) water + -ārius -ary ) and vivarium; -arium

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquarium¹

C19: from Latin aquārius relating to water, on the model of vivarium

Example Sentences

But now this bioluminescent algae is dying and releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes a rotten egg smell, explained Laura Rink, associate director at Heal the Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica.

From Los Angeles Times

California moray eels live in coral reefs from Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to southern Baja California in Mexico, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

From Los Angeles Times

The moray’s sharp teeth are coated in bacteria, so their bites can be both painful and cause infection, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

From Los Angeles Times

They grow to around 5 feet long, according to the aquarium.

From Los Angeles Times

Both are standard, pet-friendly hotels that offer amenities like a pool and free breakfast, but the Pacific Inn also offers a shuttle within a five-mile radius, making first-come, first-serve trips to the Long Beach Airport, the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Long Beach Convention Center and Belmont Shore.

From Los Angeles Times