plankton
noun
plank·ton ˈplaŋ(k)-tən 
-ˌtän
: the passively floating or weakly swimming usually minute animal and plant life of a body of water
planktonic
plaŋ(k)-ˈtä-nik
adjective 
Example Sentences
fish that feed mainly on plankton
Recent Examples on the Web The lightweight formula is packed with biotin, peptides, and Tahitian plankton extract, which work together to strengthen and hydrate lashes while promoting growth. 
Health.com, 16 Sep. 2021 Recent studies have found that populations of native plankton in some of Minnesota’s lakes have fallen by as much as 60 percent since the arrival of the spiny water flea. Tim Folger, Environment, 2 Dec. 2020 When plankton die or are consumed, a set of processes known as the biological carbon pump carries sinking particles of carbon from the surface to the deep ocean in a process known as marine snowfall. Ken Buesseler, The Conversation, 21 May 2020 Luckily for the glowing plankton under his care, David Gruber, a marine biologist, lives only six blocks from his research lab. New York Times, 23 Mar. 2020 The resulting sound from the music reminded me of the bioluminescent plankton. oregonlive, 1 Feb. 2020 But there’s also a strong outdoor-adventure pull, from snorkeling in nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, where giant polka-dot whale sharks hunt for plankton, to quad-biking empty sand dunes. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 May 2020 The bigger chunks can clog the digestive systems of turtles, seabirds and whales, causing them to starve to death, while the tiniest and most insidious bits can be taken up by plankton, infiltrating the very foundation of the ocean food chain. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2020 In addition to plankton, the opportunistic eaters can sustain themselves by feeding on the feces and mucous-coated regurgitation of invasive mussels. Tony Briscoe, chicagotribune.com, 12 Aug. 2019 See More
Health.com, 16 Sep. 2021 Recent studies have found that populations of native plankton in some of Minnesota’s lakes have fallen by as much as 60 percent since the arrival of the spiny water flea. Tim Folger, Environment, 2 Dec. 2020 When plankton die or are consumed, a set of processes known as the biological carbon pump carries sinking particles of carbon from the surface to the deep ocean in a process known as marine snowfall. Ken Buesseler, The Conversation, 21 May 2020 Luckily for the glowing plankton under his care, David Gruber, a marine biologist, lives only six blocks from his research lab. New York Times, 23 Mar. 2020 The resulting sound from the music reminded me of the bioluminescent plankton. oregonlive, 1 Feb. 2020 But there’s also a strong outdoor-adventure pull, from snorkeling in nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, where giant polka-dot whale sharks hunt for plankton, to quad-biking empty sand dunes. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 May 2020 The bigger chunks can clog the digestive systems of turtles, seabirds and whales, causing them to starve to death, while the tiniest and most insidious bits can be taken up by plankton, infiltrating the very foundation of the ocean food chain. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2020 In addition to plankton, the opportunistic eaters can sustain themselves by feeding on the feces and mucous-coated regurgitation of invasive mussels. Tony Briscoe, chicagotribune.com, 12 Aug. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
German, from Greek, neuter of planktos drifting, from plazesthai to wander, drift, middle voice of plazein to drive astray; akin to Latin plangere to strike — more at plaint
First Known Use
1889, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
plankton
noun
plank·ton ˈplaŋk-tən
: the tiny floating plants and animals of a body of water