aquaponics

noun

aqua·​pon·​ics ˌa-kwə-ˈpä-niks How to pronounce aquaponics (audio)
ˌä-
plural in form but singular in construction
: a system of growing plants in the water that has been used to cultivate aquatic organisms

Word History

Etymology

Latin aqua + -ponics (in hydroponics)

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aquaponics was in 1981

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aquaponics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquaponics. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!