What does natant mean?
The word natant describes something or someone that is floating or swimming, often used in specific contexts such as heraldry where it denotes an animal depicted in a coat of arms as being in a floating or swimming position. This term allows for precise description in both general and specialized contexts, highlighting the state of being afloat. It is particularly useful in discussions of aquatic imagery and in the detailed description of symbolic representations.
adjectiveFloating or swimming; specifically, in heraldry, used to describe an animal represented as floating or swimming in a coat of arms.
- In a floating or swimming position.
- In heraldry, of an animal: depicted as floating or swimming.
"The fish was depicted as natant in the center of the wave."
"The lifeguard kept the child natant until help arrived."
"In the coat of arms, the fish is shown as natant."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of natant
The term natant originates from the Latin word 'natans,' which means swimming or floating. This Latin term is derived from 'natare,' meaning to swim. The word has been adopted into English and is used in various contexts, including heraldry and general descriptions of aquatic scenes.
How natant is actually used
The term is often used in heraldry and in descriptions of aquatic scenes.