epipelagic
|ep-i-pe-lag-ic|
C1
/ˌɛpɪpəˈlædʒɪk/
upper ocean layer
Etymology
Etymology Information
'epipelagic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'epi-' meaning 'upon' and 'pelagos' meaning 'sea'.
Historical Evolution
'epipelagic' was directly derived from the Greek terms 'epi-' and 'pelagos' and has been used in modern English to describe the upper oceanic zone.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'upon the sea', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to the uppermost ocean layer'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the uppermost layer of the ocean, where enough sunlight penetrates for photosynthesis to occur.
The epipelagic zone is teeming with life due to the abundance of sunlight.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/04 15:33