non-potable
|non-po-ta-ble|
B2
🇺🇸
/nɑnˈpoʊtəbl̩/
🇬🇧
/nɒnˈpəʊtəbl̩/
(potable)
safe to drink
Etymology
Etymology Information
'non-potable' originates from the Latin word 'potabilis,' where 'potare' meant 'to drink,' combined with the prefix 'non-' indicating negation.
Historical Evolution
'potabilis' transformed into the French word 'potable,' and eventually became the modern English word 'potable,' with 'non-' added to indicate the opposite.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'potabilis' meant 'fit to drink,' but with the prefix 'non-,' it evolved to mean 'not fit to drink.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not safe to drink; not suitable for consumption as drinking water.
The water from the river is non-potable and should be boiled before use.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42