phytoplankton
|phy-to-plank-ton|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌfaɪtoʊˈplæŋktən/
🇬🇧
/ˌfaɪtəʊˈplæŋktən/
drifting plant-like organisms
Etymology
Etymology Information
'phytoplankton' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'phyto-' meaning 'plant' and 'plankton' meaning 'drifting'.
Historical Evolution
'phyto-' and 'plankton' were combined in the late 19th century to form the modern English word 'phytoplankton'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any drifting plant-like organisms in water, and this meaning has remained consistent.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
microscopic marine algae that form the base of the aquatic food chain.
Phytoplankton are crucial for the ocean's ecosystem.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/21 05:01