Definition
Tiny organisms, including microscopic plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton), that drift in oceans, seas, and fresh water. Plankton form the base of most aquatic food chains and are crucial to marine ecosystems and oxygen production.
Example Usage
The whale dove through the ocean, filtering tons of plankton with each gulp.
Origin
From Greek 'planktos' meaning 'wandering' or 'drifting', reflecting the organisms' passive movement with currents.
Fun Fact
Despite being microscopic, plankton produce an estimated 50% of the world's oxygen.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “plankton” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator