an animal that feeds by filtering small organisms or food particles from the water or air, as a clam, baleen whale, or sponge
filter feeder in American English
noun
an aquatic animal that feeds on particles or small organisms strained out of water by circulating them through its system: includes most of the stationary feeders, as clams, oysters, barnacles, corals, sea squirts, and sponges
Word origin
[1925–30]This word is first recorded in the period 1925–30. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: hot spot, payload, reflex camera, runout, turnaround
Examples of 'filter feeder' in a sentence
filter feeder
Silver carp are filter feeders and therefore hard to hook.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
What will be the effect of contaminated plankton on filter feeders, such as whales, or on the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
There's no suggestion of danger — the sharks are filter feeders — but you'll need to fin fast to keep up.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
In waters closer to shore, filter feeders such as shellfish and shrimp accumulate them directly.