aquarium

[uh-kwair-ee-uhm]

noun

plural

aquariums, aquaria 

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 Word Forms

• aquarial 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

Outside London, Sir Terry also built Hull's striking aquarium, The Deep, jutting out over the Humber like a strangely angular boat; and the eclectic collection of buildings known as The Centre for Life in Newcastle.

From BBC

Nygren-Burkert said trash and urban waste are the main threats to the river and surrounding wetlands but are mitigated by volunteer-led local aquarium monitoring and wetland restoration efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

Ghost’s exact age is unknown, but based on her weight and size “we can approximate she is in that age range,” the aquarium said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Banksy work features the fierce fish in an 'aquarium' on the box and was part of the artist's animal-themed series across the capital last summer.

From BBC

It is also strong on the unbalanced nature of their relationship, with a friend of Andrew's describing the prince's dealings with Epstein as "like putting a rattlesnake in an aquarium with a mouse".

From BBC