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Definition & Meaning: Arium Word Root

The root word -Arium originates from the Latin -ārium. It is generally used to refer to ‘a place or container connected with, or employed for, some purpose.’ For example, an aquarium is a place where aquatic animals are kept. The word vivarium means a place in which to keep living things, derived from:

  • Viv(ere): To live
  • Arium: A place where
  • Viv+arium: A place in which to keep living things

Therefore, it is fair to say that words with the root -Arium mostly refer to ‘a place where,’ forming corresponding nouns.

Example sentence: On 18 February 1852, the Council of the Zoological Society of London (UK) commissioned the building of an Aquatic Vivarium (the original term for a fish tank or enclosure) at London Zoo.

Arium root word tree diagram featuring important words derived from the root Arium.

Words Based on the Arium Word Root

Commonly Used Words based on the Arium Word Root

  • Aquarium: A tank for keeping water creatures or a building containing many of them.
  • Herbarium: A collection of dried plants.
  • Terrarium: A place in which smaller land animals are kept.
  • Sanitarium: A health station or retreat.
  • Planetarium: A domed building in which images of the sky are projected for entertainment or education.

Archaic Words based on the Arium Word Root

  • Caldarium: A room for taking a hot bath (in ancient Rome).
  • Disciplinarium: A scourge for flogging penitents.
  • Archarium: In ancient Greece and Rome, a building in which archives of a city or state were deposited.
  • Balsamarium: An ancient vessel for holding balsam.

Technical Words/Jargon based on the Arium Word Root

  • Oceanarium: A place of public entertainment where marine animals are housed.
  • Orchidarium: An orchid garden.
  • Xylarium: A herbarium specializing in specimens of wood.

Related Word Roots

-orium

This root is similar to -Arium and also denotes a place or device connected with a particular function.

  • Auditorium: A large room or hall where people gather to watch performances.
  • Laboratory: A room or building equipped for scientific experiments, research, or teaching.

-ary

This suffix is used to form nouns that often denote a place connected with a specific function.

  • Library: A place where books, magazines, and other materials are available for people to use or borrow.
  • Sanctuary: A place of refuge or safety.

We hope this article on the commonly used Arium Root Word has been helpful to you in remembering the words based on the Root Word Arium and enhance your vocabulary.

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