'aquate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aqua' meaning 'water', with the English verbal/adjectival suffix '-ate' used to form verbs/adjectives meaning 'to make or to have'.

'aquate' was formed in English by combining Latin 'aqua' with the productive suffix '-ate' (from Latin '-atus' via French/Modern English formation), producing technical senses (e.g., 'to make or become combined with water'); the modern English technical usage developed in scientific contexts in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Initially formed to mean 'to provide with water' or 'to treat with water'; it has retained a similar technical meaning and is principally used in scientific/chemical contexts to indicate hydration or combination with water.