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-/, adjectiveWords nearby neuston
neurula,
neurulation,
neusatz,
neuse,
neuss,
neuston,
neustria,
neustrian,
neut.,
neuter,
neutercane
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, adjectiveWord Origin for neuston
C20: via German from Greek
neustos swimming, from
nein to swim