plankton

[ plangk-tuhn ]

noun

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

plankton

/ plæŋkˈtɒnɪk; ˈplæŋktən /

noun

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

plankton

/ plăngk′tən /

1. 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.
2. Compare benthos

Derived Forms

• planktonic, adjective

Other Words From

• plank·ton·ic [plangk-, ton, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plankton¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plankton¹

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

Example Sentences

The mollusks are efficient filter feeders and can increase the clarity of water by consuming large quantities of plankton, which native fish and other creatures depend on.

From Los Angeles Times

The plates, lined up in a row, are used to strain food from water — mainly small fish and plankton.

From Los Angeles Times

"The expedition also included researchers who took plankton samples in the affected area, the analyses of which are not yet complete," says Katarina Abrahamsson.

From Science Daily

Beyond microbes, larger organisms like plankton have yet to be described in this way, Sutherland said.

From Science Daily

They’re carnivorous creatures that use stinging tentacles hanging below the surface to catch prey such as copepods, fish eggs, larval fish and smaller plankton.

From Los Angeles Times