plankton

Definition

Organisms, especially small and microscopic ones, that drift in water.

Etymology

Borrowed from German Plankton, coined by German zoologist and marine biologist Victor Hensen. By surface analysis, Ancient Greek πλαγκτός (planktós, “drifter”) + -on. Ultimately from Ancient Greek πλαγκτόν (planktón, “drifting”), neuter nominative of πλαγκτός (planktós), from πλάζομαι (plázomai, “to wander, drift”), from πλάζω (plázō, “to cause to wander, drive astray”). By surface analysis, plankt- + -on.

Example Sentences

• "Whales feed on tiny plankton drifting in the ocean."
• "The lake water was full of microscopic plankton."
• "The study focused on the role of plankton in the food chain."