natation

American  

[ney-tey-shuhn, na-] / neɪˈteɪ ʃən, næ- /

noun

1. an act or the skill of swimming.

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natation British  

/ nəˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. a formal or literary word for swimming See swimming

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Other Word Forms

• natational adjective

Etymology

Origin of natation

1535–45; < Latin natātiōn- (stem of natātiō ), equivalent to natāt ( us ) (past participle of natāre to swim) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

This animal is rendered more terrific from the velocity of his powers of natation, thus being able to discharge its thunder far and near.

From Project Gutenberg

"By aid of careful auscultation," "And thinking on his late natation," "I think, I think that I deskiver," "A frog within this dear boy's liver."

From Project Gutenberg

For them it is necessary for accuracy of natation that their soft, and in the squids long bodies, should be supported by such a framework as they possess.

From Project Gutenberg

I wondered at what period of their lives they had acquired their dexterity at natation. 

From Project Gutenberg

Though he was pitched by the heels into mucker about three times a week, that he might acquire the useful art of natation, he still seemed to grow dirtier and dirtier.

From Project Gutenberg