aquaponics

American  

[ak-wuh-pon-iks, ah-kwuh‐] / ˌæk wəˈpɒn ɪks, ˌɑ kwə‐ /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a farming system that circulates wastewater from animal aquaculture to hydroponically cultivated plants, whereby the plants draw nutrients from the waste and filter the water, allowing for its recycled use by the aquatic animals.

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Other Word Forms

• aquaponic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of aquaponics

First recorded in 1980–85; aqua- ( def. ) + (geo)ponics ( def. )

Example Sentences

Smith uses project-based learning to teach his classes, letting students develop their own engineering project ideas like building racing drones and electronic skateboards — or using aquaponics to grow vegetables.

From Washington Post • Apr. 2, 2023

Mike went on to Cal Poly Pomona to study agriculture and became interested in aquaponics.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2022

Babcock began volunteering with the garden in 2015, after he experimented with an aquaponics project in his backyard.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2020

There’s a food-generating aquaponics facility, and an aviary for the endangered Bali starling.

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2017

“We are using aquaponics to raise fish in tanks and then use their wastewater to grow produce in pallet racks,” said Zac Chambers.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 19, 2017