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aquarium

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also: Aquarium and aquàrium

English

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A public aquarium.

Etymology

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    Borrowed from Latin aquārium, neuter of aquārius (of or pertaining to water), from aqua +‎ -arium. Doublet of ewer; see also Aquarius. Also claimed to be coined by English naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, as a blend of aquatic +‎ vivarium.[1]

    Pronunciation

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    • (General American) enPR: ə-kwârʹē-əm, IPA(key): /əˈkwɛɹ.i.jəm/, /-ɛɹiəm/
    • Audio (US):(file)

    Noun

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    aquarium (plural aquaria or aquariums)

    1. A tank, often made of glass, for keeping live fish or other aquatic animals.
      Synonym: (informal) fish tank
    2. A public place where live fish and other aquatic animals are exhibited.

    Usage notes

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    The plural aquaria is generally considered more formal than aquariums.

    Derived terms

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    Translations

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    References

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    1. ^ “World's first aquarium”, in London Zoo[1], London Zoo, (Can we date this quote?), archived from the original on 2024-04-05

    Further reading

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    Dutch

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    Etymology

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    Borrowed from Latin aquārium. Influenced by English aquarium. Doublet of aker.

    Pronunciation

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    Noun

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    aquarium n (plural aquaria or aquariums, diminutive aquariumpje n)

    1. aquarium
    2. (obsolete) water basin, water tank

    Derived terms

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    French

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    Etymology

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    Borrowed from Latin aquārium. Doublet of évier.

    Pronunciation

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    Noun

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    aquarium m (plural aquariums)

    1. aquarium
    2. (slang) a clambake (an instance of smoking in an enclosed space)

    Further reading

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    Latin

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      Pronunciation

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      Adjective

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      aquārium

      1. nominative neuter singular of aquārius

      References

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