Aquatic - Wikipedia-style Article

Aquatic

Definition

Aquatic describes anything relating to water, especially living or growing in water; it can refer to organisms, activities, or environments associated with water. As a noun (in the plural), aquatics denotes water-based sports and activities.

Parts of Speech

Adjective
Noun (plural: aquatics)

Pronunciation

American English

IPA: /əˈkwætɪk/
Respelling: uh-KWAT-ik

British English

IPA: /əˈkwætɪk/
Respelling: uh-KWAT-ik

Etymology

Mid 17th century: from Latin aquāticus “of water,” from aqua “water.”

Derivatives

aquatically (adverb)
aquaticism (noun, rare)
aquatics (noun, plural)

Synonyms

marine (adj.)
waterborne
hydric
hydrophytic
amphibious (when referring to both land and water)

Antonyms

terrestrial
dryland

Usage

"Many aquatic plants thrive in freshwater ponds."

"She specializes in aquatic ecology and studies lake ecosystems."

"The Olympic Games include several aquatics events such as swimming and water polo."

Related Terms

Marine biology: The study of organisms in marine environments.
Freshwater: Water with low salt concentration, such as lakes and rivers.
Hydrophyte: A plant that grows in water.
Estuary: Where freshwater meets the sea.
Amphibian: A vertebrate capable of living in water and on land.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

Living or growing in water – describing organisms adapted to aquatic habitats.
- Example: "The lake is home to a diverse community of aquatic insects."
Relating to water environments or activities – pertaining to water-based ecosystems or sports.
- Example: "He enrolled in aquatic fitness classes at the community center."
Sustained by or occurring in or on water – referring to processes or conditions taking place in water.
- Example: "An aquatic habitat can vary from shallow wetlands to deep ocean trenches."

Noun

(Plural) Water-based sports or activities – organized competitions or exercises conducted in water.
- Example: "The school’s aquatics team includes swimmers, divers, and water polo players."