aquatic-friendly
|a-qua-tic-friend-ly|
/əˈkwætɪk ˈfrɛndli/
safe or suitable for water environments
Etymology
'aquatic-friendly' is a modern English compound formed from the adjective 'aquatic' and the adjective-forming element 'friendly'. 'aquatic' comes from Latin 'aquaticus' (from 'aqua' meaning 'water'), and 'friendly' derives from Old English 'freond' (friend) with the adjectival suffix '-ly'.
'aquatic' entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'aquaticus' (from Latin 'aqua') and was used in English from the 17th century onward; 'friendly' descended from Old English 'freondlic' (related to 'freond' = 'friend') and evolved into Modern English 'friendly'. The compound 'aquatic-friendly' is a recent productive formation in modern English combining these elements.
Individually, 'aquatic' originally meant 'of or relating to water' and 'friendly' meant 'showing friendship or compatibility'; combined, they evolved into the descriptive sense 'compatible with or not harmful to aquatic environments', a usage driven by environmental and product-safety contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
suitable for or not harmful to aquatic environments or organisms; safe for use in or near water.
This biodegradable detergent is advertised as aquatic-friendly and safe for use near rivers.
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Adjective 2
designed or adapted to function well in water-based contexts (equipment, materials, or landscaping).
The park's new plants were chosen for their aquatic-friendly root systems that tolerate flooding.
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Last updated: 2025/10/15 17:06