natant

adjective

na·tant ˈnā-tᵊnt

: swimming or floating in water

natant decapods

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Going Swimmingly With Natant

Natant and the smattering of other words birthed in the waters of Latin natare, meaning "to swim," can sound overly formal in many contexts. Rather than use the word natatorium, for example, we're more likely to refer simply to an indoor swimming pool. Similarly, instead of complimenting a friend's skills in natation, you're probably more apt to tell her she's a good swimmer. The common German-derived word swimming suits most of us just fine. Science, though, often prefers Latin, which is why you're most likely to encounter natare words in scientific contexts.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English natand, from Latin natant-, natans, present participle of natare to swim; akin to Latin nare to swim; akin to Greek nein, nēchein to swim, Sanskrit snāti he bathes

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of natant was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century