plankton

[ plangk-tuh n ]
/ ˈplæŋk tən /

noun

the aggregate of passively floating, drifting, or somewhat motile organisms occurring in a body of water, primarily comprising microscopic algae and protozoa.

Origin of plankton

1890–95; < German, special use of neuter of Greek planktós drifting, equivalent to plang-, variant stem of plázesthai to drift, roam, wander + -tos verbid suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM plankton

plank·ton·ic [plangk-ton-ik] /plæŋkˈtɒn ɪk/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for plankton

British Dictionary definitions for plankton

plankton
/ (ˈplæŋktən) /

noun

the organisms inhabiting the surface layer of a sea or lake, consisting of small drifting plants and animals, such as diatoms Compare nekton

Derived forms of plankton

planktonic (plæŋkˈtɒnɪk), adjective

Word Origin for plankton

C19: via German from Greek planktos wandering, from plazesthai to roam

Scientific definitions for plankton

plankton
[ plăngktən ]

Small organisms that float or drift in great numbers in bodies of salt or fresh water. Plankton is a primary food source for many animals, and consists of bacteria, protozoans, certain algae, cnidarians, tiny crustaceans such as copepods, and many other organisms. Compare benthos nekton.