Etymology Map
Back to all words

Aquarium

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a tank of water for fish

Where does the word "aquarium" come from? It comes from Latin aquarius, adopted directly into English (1830s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
aquarius
Latin · ancient
"of water"
from 'aqua', water
2
Stage 2 of 2
aquarium
English · 1830s
"fish tank"
first used for a pond or tank for water plants
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Aquarium’s story begins in Latin: aquarius meant “of water.” From 'aqua', water. It reached English by 1830s as aquarium. First used for a pond or tank for water plants. Today, aquarium means a tank of water for fish.