- Plankton are all of the small microscopic organisms that float in the ocean, sea or other bodies of salt or fresh water.
Small crustaceans in the Atlantic ocean, along with eggs, larvae and protozoans are an example of plankton.
plankton definition by Webster's New World
noun
the usually microscopic animal and plant life found floating or drifting in the ocean or in bodies of fresh water, used as food by nearly all aquatic animals
Origin: German ; from Classical Greek planktos, wandering ; from plazesthai, to wander, akin to planan: see planet
Related Forms:
- planktonic adjective
plankton definition by American Heritage Dictionary
noun
The collection of small or microscopic organisms, including algae and protozoans, that float or drift in great numbers in fresh or salt water, especially at or near the surface, and serve as food for fish and other larger organisms.
Origin: German, from Greek, neuter of planktos, wandering, from plazein, to turn aside; see plāk-2 in Indo-European roots.
Related Forms:
- plank·tonˈic adjective
plankton - Science Definition
