Meaning & Definition of word "Plankton"
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Plankton
/ˈplæŋktən/
noun:
- 1. Small organisms that drift or float in water, typically microscopic, and serve as a primary food source for larger aquatic animals.
- Example: Plankton forms the base of the aquatic food web, supporting species from tiny fish to large whales.
- 2. The collective mass of such organisms found in a specific body of water.
- Example: The plankton in the ocean varies significantly with the changing seasons.
- 3. Any of the minute aquatic organisms that drift with currents, including phytoplankton and zooplankton.
- Example: Scientists are studying phytoplankton to understand their role in carbon cycling.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'planktos', meaning 'wanderer' or 'drifter'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
plankton bloom:
A rapid increase in the population of plankton in a water body, often due to favorable conditions.
plankton net:
A specialized net used to collect samples of plankton for study.
Related Words
phytoplankton:
Plant-like plankton that performs photosynthesis.
zooplankton:
Animal-like plankton that consumes phytoplankton.
Slang Meanings of plankton
Meaning: Someone or something that drifts along without direction.
Example Sentence: He's just a plankton in the corporate world, going with the flow.
Meaning: A person of little importance or influence.
Example Sentence: In that big organization, I'm just plankton, not a decision-maker.