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

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

Other Word Forms

• aquatically adverb
• nonaquatic adjective
• transaquatic 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

He said it was a "very, very difficult period" for the aquatic ecosystem.

From BBC

The spill affected aquatic life as well as farmers who use the water to irrigate their crops.

From BBC

They found the most heavily contaminated nurdles were those burnt in the fire, which leach metals toxic to aquatic life, like arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, cobalt and nickel.

From BBC

They are essential to the aquatic food chain and also produce half the oxygen we breath.

From BBC

Stajner said she is thrilled by the public attention her discovery has received and hopes it inspires more people to go explore the diverse aquatic life present along Southern California’s shores.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amphibious 
• floating 
• marine 
• maritime