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 Word Forms

• 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

On Feb. 26, D.A. investigators executed search warrants as part of “Operation Dirty Pond,” a probe into the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds allocated for a $24-million aquatic center that hasn’t been built.

From Los Angeles Times

Some spilling can be legal, but concern has been mounting amongst scientists about the harm that regular sewage spilling is causing the country's aquatic life.

From BBC

A new 25,000-seater national aquatic centre will be built in Spring Hill near the main stadium, while a new 20,000-seater arena is planned near the main athletes village.

From BBC

“This degree of water pollution, which threatens aquatic wildlife habitat and public health, shouldn’t be happening anywhere, and definitely not in a national park,” said Jeff Miller, of the Center for Biological Diversity.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether protective measures are in place could affect the state’s aquatic ecosystems.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amphibious
• floating
• marine
• maritime