plankton
UK: ˈplaŋktən | US: ˈplæŋktən
n. microscopic organisms that drift or float in aquatic environments, forming the base of many food chains.
plankton = plankt<wandering> + on<noun suffix>
- plankt<wandering>: From Greek planktos (πλαγκτός), meaning "wandering" or "drifting," derived from plazesthai (to wander).
- on: A noun-forming suffix in scientific terminology, often indicating a collective or category.
Etymology Origin:
The term plankton was coined in the late 19th century by German biologist Victor Hensen, directly borrowing from Greek planktos to describe passively drifting aquatic life. The root reflects the organisms' lack of self-propulsion, instead moving with currents—a vivid metaphor for their ecological role.
Plankton forms the foundation of the marine food web.
Scientists study plankton to monitor ocean health.
Whale sharks filter-feed on plankton near the surface.
Phytoplankton produces over half of Earth's oxygen.
The microscope revealed a diverse array of plankton species.