nonaqueous

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /nɒnˈeɪkwiəs/

KK: /nɑːˈnɔːkwiəs/

adjective

Definition

Not containing water or not related to water.

Example

The laboratory used nonaqueous solvents for the chemical reactions.

Conversation

Did you know that some paints are nonaqueous?

Really? I didn't know that! What does it mean?

It means they don't contain water, so they dry differently.

That makes sense! I guess they would have different uses then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dry

nonwater

solvent

Antonyms

aqueous

wet

moist

Root Explanation

Nonaqueous → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "aqueous" (from Latin "aqua", meaning water). The word "nonaqueous" refers to substances that are not water-based or do not contain water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'aqueous' relating to water — so nonaqueous describes something that is not water-based.

Visually Confused Words

inaqueous