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/, adjectiveWords nearby plankton
plank,
plank floor,
plank-sheer,
planking,
plankter,
plankton,
planned,
planned economy,
planned obsolescence,
planned parenthood,
planner
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), adjectiveWord Origin for plankton
C19: via German from Greek
planktos wandering, from
plazesthai to roam
Scientific definitions for plankton
plankton
[ plăngk′tən ]
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.