phytoplankton
noun
phy·to·plank·ton
ˌfī-tō-ˈplaŋ(k)-tən 
-ˌtän
plural phytoplankton also phytoplanktons
: minute aquatic photosynthetic organisms (such as dinoflagellates, diatoms, and cyanobacteria) : photosynthetic plankton of freshwater or marine environments
Twenty to 40 different species of phytoplankton … can coexist within a single cubic centimeter of water, all vying just for light and a handful of nutrients.—
O. Baker
O. BakerPhytoplankton—myriad small, mostly unicellular algae and bacteria that occupy the surface waters of seas and lakes—dominate aquatic primary production, and over time they have radically altered Earth's atmosphere.—Robert Riding
Robert RidingPhytoplankton form the foundation of marine food chains, and their seasonal blooms are responsible for more than half the photosynthesis, and the resulting production of oxygen, that occurs on Earth.—Robin George Andrews
Robin George AndrewsAntarctic krill are thumb-sized crustaceans that feast on drifting phytoplankton …—Usha Lee McFarling
compare zooplankton
Usha Lee McFarlingExamples of phytoplankton in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Other projects, like collecting phytoplankton readings using a Secchi Disk, may require a few more tools.
—Alisha McDarris, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2024
Learn more about the complexities of phytoplankton behavior — from their intricate swimming patterns to their nutrient absorption strategies — and understand their impact on marine ecosystems.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2024
The first will directly address the phytoplankton question, and for government, industry, and environmental scientists, that’s important for a number of reasons.
—TIME, 5 Feb. 2024
That’s important because each phytoplankton community may play different roles in ecosystems and food chains.
—USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024
Why study phytoplankton from space Our planet’s oceans are responding to climate change in several different ways.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Feb. 2024
Warmer water helps phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms that form the base of the food web, bloom.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024
The spectacle, often caused by a bloom of bioluminescent phytoplankton, such as dinoflagellates, has many asking why organisms would risk burning energy trying to produce such captivating light in the first place.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
The spacecraft is equipped with instruments to assess the health of the oceans by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae.
—USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024
Alisha McDarris, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2024
Learn more about the complexities of phytoplankton behavior — from their intricate swimming patterns to their nutrient absorption strategies — and understand their impact on marine ecosystems.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2024
The first will directly address the phytoplankton question, and for government, industry, and environmental scientists, that’s important for a number of reasons.
—TIME, 5 Feb. 2024
That’s important because each phytoplankton community may play different roles in ecosystems and food chains.
—USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024
Why study phytoplankton from space Our planet’s oceans are responding to climate change in several different ways.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Feb. 2024
Warmer water helps phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms that form the base of the food web, bloom.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Mar. 2024
The spectacle, often caused by a bloom of bioluminescent phytoplankton, such as dinoflagellates, has many asking why organisms would risk burning energy trying to produce such captivating light in the first place.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
The spacecraft is equipped with instruments to assess the health of the oceans by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae.
—USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phytoplankton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near phytoplankton
Cite this Entry
“Phytoplankton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytoplankton. Accessed 7 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phytoplankton
noun
phy·to·plank·ton
ˌfī-tō-ˈplaŋ(k)-tən
-ˌtän
: plankton that is composed of plants
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