hydroponics

American  

[hahy-druh-pon-iks] / ˌhaɪ drəˈpɒn ɪks /

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.

---

hydroponics British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈpɒnɪks /

noun

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

---

hydroponics Scientific  

/ 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 Cultural  

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

---

Other Word Forms

• hydroponic adjective
• hydroponically adverb
• hydroponicist noun
• hydroponist noun

Etymology

Origin of hydroponics

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

Example Sentences

He discovered hydroponics, an innovative cultivation technique where vegetables are grown not in soil, but in a solution of water enriched with essential nutrients.

From Barron's

Grains are not typically grown in hydroponics apart for their use as fodder.

From Science Daily

Moving away from tradition, hydroponics skips soil completely to grow crops in nutrient-rich water, often indoors where every aspect can be controlled to maximize yield.

From National Geographic

"With changes in climate crops fail. So I decided to use the technique of hydroponics - cultivation without soil."

From BBC

While more expensive up front, hydroponics offer a more controlled growing environment to ensure higher yields and protect your plants against extreme or unpredictable weather as the climate changes.

From Salon

Related Words

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