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

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

From Los Angeles Times

She gave the example of a person at an aquarium, who might want to find out why a group of fish are swimming in unison.

From BBC

It is normal for penguins to stack on some "healthy baby chub" after they hatch, the aquarium's Jacinta Early tells the BBC, but keepers had no idea Pesto would become so immense.

From BBC

Speaking from the “aquarium”, Nadezhda tells me how much she values the display of solidarity.

From BBC

Members of the public have paid tribute to Sphen in a condolence message board on the aquarium's website.

From BBC