aquatic
uh-KWAT-ik
/əˈkwætɪk/
Relating to water; growing or living in or near water.
Applies to both freshwater and saltwater environments, and can describe plants, animals, or sports.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'aquaticus', meaning 'growing or living in water', which comes directly from 'aqua' (water). It has been used in English since the late 14th century.
Word relationships
- marine: 'Marine' specifically refers to saltwater (ocean) environments, whereas 'aquatic' covers both saltwater and freshwater.
- terrestrial: Terrestrial refers to organisms that live exclusively on land.
Commonly confused with
- amphibious: Amphibious means able to live both on land and in water, while aquatic means living primarily or entirely in water.
Word family
- aquatically (adverb): In an aquatic manner.
Collocations
- aquatic life
- aquatic plants
- aquatic ecosystem
- aquatic species
Example sentences
- "Aquatic plants like water lilies have adapted to float on the surface to maximize their sunlight exposure." An ecology textbook passage.
- "The study of aquatic life reveals a complex web of interactions that sustain the health of our oceans." A classic scientific treatise on marine biology.
Memory hook
Think of 'Aqua' (water) + 'tic' (like a tick living on something). An aquatic creature 'ticks' and lives in the water. Water-dwelling.
When not to use
Do not use to describe land-dwelling animals that merely drink water; they must live in or spend significant time in water.
Fun facts
- Some aquatic plants, like the bladderwort, are carnivorous and trap tiny water organisms in underwater vacuum pouches.
Related words
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