neuston

[ noo-ston, nyoo- ]
/ ˈnu stɒn, ˈnyu- /

noun

the aggregate of minute aquatic organisms that float or swim in the surface film of a body of water.

Origin of neuston

1925–30; < German; noun use of neuter of Greek neustós swimming, verbid of neîn to swim

OTHER WORDS FROM neuston

neus·tic, neus·ton·ic [noo-ston-ik, nyoo-] /nuˈstɒn ɪk, nyu-/, adjective

Words nearby neuston

British Dictionary definitions for neuston

neuston
/ (ˈnjuːstən) /

noun

organisms, similar to plankton, that float on the surface film of open water
the ecosystem of the surface film of open water in which such organisms as copepods graze on tiny flagellates, bacteria, etc

Derived forms of neuston

neustonic, adjective

Word Origin for neuston

C20: via German from Greek neustos swimming, from nein to swim