phytoplankton

[ fahy-tuh-plangk-tuh n ]
/ ˌfaɪ təˈplæŋk tən /

noun

the aggregate of plants and plantlike organisms in plankton.
Compare zooplankton.

Origin of phytoplankton

First recorded in 1895–1900; phyto- + plankton

Words nearby phytoplankton

phytopathology, phytophagous, phytophlyctodermatitis, phytophotodermatitis, phytophthora, phytoplankton, phytoplasm, phytoplasma, phytoremediation, phytosanitary, phytosaur

British Dictionary definitions for phytoplankton

phytoplankton
/ (ˌfaɪtəˈplæŋktən) /

noun

the photosynthesizing organisms in plankton, mainly unicellular algae and cyanobacteria Compare zooplankton

Derived forms of phytoplankton

phytoplanktonic (ˌfaɪtəplæŋkˈtɒnɪk), adjective

Scientific definitions for phytoplankton

phytoplankton
[ fī′tō-plăngk′tən ]

Plankton consisting of free-floating algae, protists, and cyanobacteria. Phytoplankton form the beginning of the food chain for aquatic animals and fix large amounts of carbon, which would otherwise be released as carbon dioxide.