Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Potable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚰
Add to dictionary

potable

[ˈpoʊtəbl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

water quality

Potable refers to water that is safe to drink or suitable for consumption. It must meet specific health standards to ensure that it is free from harmful contaminants and pathogens.

Synonyms

clean, drinkable, safe.

Examples of usage

  • The tap water is potable and can be consumed safely.
  • In many rural areas, finding potable water can be a challenge.
  • Boiling water is a common method to ensure it becomes potable.
  • Bottled water is often marketed as potable for convenience.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Access to potable water is crucial for preventing diseases, as unsafe water can carry harmful bacteria and viruses.
  • Countries often have different standards for what is considered safe, influenced by local environmental conditions.

Environmental Science

  • Pollution significantly affects the availability of potable water, making it a critical focus for environmental protection efforts.
  • Water purification technologies have evolved, allowing for greater access to potable water even in contaminated areas.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have unique methods of treating water to ensure it is potable, such as boiling or using natural filtration techniques.
  • In some regions, traditional practices involve rainwater harvesting, enabling communities to collect and store potable water.

Public Policy

  • Governments invest in infrastructure to provide clean, potable water to their populations, impacting public health significantly.
  • In emergency situations, ensuring the availability of potable water is prioritized to maintain community health and safety.

Origin of 'potable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'potabilis', meaning 'drinkable', deriving from 'potare', which means 'to drink'.
  • In medieval times, the importance of potable water led to the establishment of rules for safe drinking in cities.

The word 'potable' comes from the Latin root 'potabilis', derived from 'potare', meaning 'to drink'. This term has evolved through Middle English and Old French before making its way into modern English. The earliest recorded use of 'potable' in English appeared in the early 14th century. Originally, it described any liquid that could be drunk, but over time, the word became specifically associated with water that is safe for consumption. The importance of potable water has heightened in modern discussions around public health and environmental sustainability, as access to clean drinking water is essential for thriving communities.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,039, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.