natationaladj.
/nəˈteɪʃn̩(ə)l/, /nəˈteɪʃn(ə)l/, U.S. /nəˈteɪʃən(ə)l/, /neɪˈteɪʃən(ə)l/, /nəˈteɪʃn(ə)l/, /neɪˈteɪʃn(ə)l/ rare.
Of or relating to swimming. Cf. natatorial adj., natatory adj. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > progressive motion > moving with current of air or water > movement in or on water > [adjective] > swimming > relating to
natatorial1816
natatory1831
natational1883
1883 Field 22 Dec. 853 To take an active lead in matters natational.
2000 Times (Nexis) 28 Oct. He began his natational achievement while still a serving naval officer, winning the nine-mile Morecombe cross-bay swim in 1952.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1883