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
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 of plankton
German ; from Classical Greek planktos, wandering ; from plazesthai, to wander, akin to planan: see planetplankton
noun
The collection of mostly small or microscopic organisms that drift or swim weakly in a body of water, including bacteria, diatoms, jellyfish, and various larvae. Plankton is an important food source for fish and other larger organisms.
Origin of plankton
German, from Greek, neuter of planktos, wandering, from plazein, to turn aside; see plak-2 in Indo-European roots.Related Forms:
- plank·ton′ic
adjective
plankton
Noun
(usually uncountable, plural planktons)
Origin
From German Plankton, coined by Viktor Hensen and derived from Ancient Greek πλαγκτός (planktos, “drifter").
