pelagic
UK: pɪˈlædʒɪk | US: pəˈlædʒɪk
adj. relating to the open sea
adj. inhabiting or occurring in the deep ocean, away from coastal or bottom environments
pelagic = pelag<sea> + ic<adjective suffix>
- pelag (from Greek pelagos meaning "open sea")
- ic (adjective-forming suffix, indicating "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word pelagic traces back to Greek pelagos (open sea), reflecting its focus on vast, unbounded oceanic regions. The suffix -ic was adopted via Latin -icus, standardizing the term in scientific contexts (e.g., marine biology) to describe organisms or phenomena of the deep ocean. The morphemes preserve a direct link to the original Greek root while adapting to modern English usage.
Pelagic fish like tuna spend their lives far from the coast.
The research vessel studied pelagic ecosystems in the Atlantic.
Seabirds are often pelagic, feeding on open-water prey.
Plastic pollution threatens pelagic species across the globe.
The documentary highlighted the beauty of pelagic zones.