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

Words nearby plankton

plank, plank floor, plank-sheer, planking, plankter, plankton, planned, planned economy, planned obsolescence, planned parenthood, planner

Example sentences from the Web for planktonic

  • Planktonic forms, in fact, proved to be the most sensitive indicators of the presence of radioactivity in the marine environment.

    Atoms, Nature, and Man |Neal O. Hines

  • But in all probability the planktonic larva rests on the sea-bottom little if at all before metamorphosing.

    A Guide to the Study of Fishes, Volume 1 (of 2) |David Starr Jordan

British Dictionary definitions for planktonic

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 planktonic

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.