noun

aquaponics

ak-wuh-PON-iks

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Aquaponics (noun) means a food-production system that combines fish farming with growing plants, using the fish waste in the water as plant nutrients. Example: “The school built an aquaponics unit so pupils could grow vegetables alongside a small tank of fish.”

noun

technical A food-production system that combines fish farming with growing plants, using the fish waste in the water as plant nutrients.

"The school built an aquaponics unit so pupils could grow vegetables alongside a small tank of fish."

"Aquaponics uses far less water than traditional soil farming because the system recycles it."

"She runs a small aquaponics business supplying lettuce and trout to local restaurants."

How to use aquaponics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGrowing fish and plants together, so the fish waste feeds the plants.

When to use it

Aquaponics is a technical term from agriculture, used in both specialist and general writing about food production.

Memory tip

If fish are part of the system, it is aquaponics; if there are no fish at all, the correct word is hydroponics.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hydroponics

Common pairings

aquaponics system backyard aquaponics practise aquaponics aquaponics farm

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The school built an _____ unit so pupils could grow vegetables alongside a small tank of fish.

Etymology

Formed by blending aquaculture with hydroponics, joining the aqua- element with -ponics from hydroponics.

Origin: English

Rhymes for aquaponics

electronics

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Frequently asked questions

What is aquaponics?

It is a farming method that combines raising fish with growing plants, where waste from the fish tank feeds the plants.

How is aquaponics different from hydroponics?

Hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water alone, while aquaponics gets those nutrients from fish kept in the same system.

Is aquaponics sustainable?

It is generally considered a sustainable approach to food production because it recycles water and nutrients between the fish and the plants.

What is the meaning of aquaponics?

"aquaponics" (noun) means a food-production system that combines fish farming with growing plants, using the fish waste in the water as plant nutrients.