plankton
|plank-ton|
B2
/ˈplæŋktən/
drifting organisms
Etymology
Etymology Information
'plankton' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'planktos,' where 'planktos' meant 'drifting' or 'wandering.'
Historical Evolution
'planktos' transformed into the German word 'Plankton,' and eventually became the modern English word 'plankton.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'drifting' or 'wandering,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'small organisms drifting in water.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
small and microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or freshwater, consisting chiefly of diatoms, protozoans, small crustaceans, and the eggs and larval stages of larger animals.
Plankton forms the base of the oceanic food chain.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/17 11:44