hydroponics

[ hahy-druh-pon-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the cultivation of plants by placing the roots in liquid nutrient solutions rather than in soil; soilless growth of plants. Compare aeroculture ( def ), geoponics ( def 2 ).

hydroponics

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈpɒnɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular a method of cultivating plants by growing them in gravel, etc, through which water containing dissolved inorganic nutrient salts is pumped Also calledaquiculture

hydroponics

/ hī′drə-pŏn′ĭks /

1. The cultivation of plants in a nutrient-rich solution, rather than in soil, and under controlled conditions of light, temperature, and humidity.
2. Also called aquaculture

hydroponics

1. Cultivating plants in an artificial environment in which the necessary nutrients are carried to the roots in a liquid mixture.

Derived Forms

• ˌhydroˈponic, adjective
• ˌhydroˈponically, adverb

Other Words From

• hy·dro·pon·ic adjective
• hy·drop·o·nist [hahy-, drop, -, uh, -nist], hy·dro·pon·i·cist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydroponics¹

First recorded in 1935–40; hydro- ¹ + (geo)ponics

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydroponics¹

C20: from hydro- + ( geo ) ponics

Example Sentences

Alexander said hydroponics – saving water by growing plants without soil – is just one piece of the puzzle for future farming.

From TechCrunch

One of my Outside buddies, Mary Turner, told me she was being sent an elaborate hydroponics rig made by a Los Angeles–based company called Lettuce Grow.

From Outside Online

That expedition perished after less than a light-year when its hydroponics system failed.

From Project Gutenberg

If it wasn't for hydroponics and the Ag Culture controls, we'd be licked right now.

From Project Gutenberg

I guess you'd say that there were a lot of jobs in the aquariums and the hydroponics gardens.

From Project Gutenberg

All the sailors on the ship must have had hydroponics or its equivalent on the brain.

From Project Gutenberg

The tomato has been widely used in experiments in solution-culture of plants, sometimes called "hydroponics."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• agriculture
• breeding
• cultivation
• culture
• gardening
• grazing
• production
• ranching