nekton

[ nek-ton, -tuhn ]

noun

1. the aggregate of actively swimming aquatic organisms in a body of water, able to move independently of water currents.

nekton

/ ˈnɛktɒn /

noun

1. the population of free-swimming animals that inhabits the middle depths of a sea or lake Compare plankton

nekton

/ nĕk′tən,-tŏn′ /

1. The collection of marine and freshwater organisms that can swim freely and are generally independent of currents, ranging in size from microscopic organisms to whales.
2. Compare benthos

Derived Forms

• nekˈtonic, adjective

Other Words From

• nek·tonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nekton¹

1890–95; < German, noun use of neuter of nēktós swimming (verbid of nḗchein to swim; nectopod )

Word History and Origins

Origin of nekton¹

C19: via German from Greek nēkton a swimming thing, from nēkhein to swim

Example Sentences

He proceeded to draw divisions between the bottom organisms without power of motion, benthon, the nekton motile life in mid-water, and the plankton or floating life.

From Project Gutenberg