Main Entry: plank·ton

Pronunciation: \ˈplaŋ(k)-tən, -ˌtän\

Function: noun

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

Date: 1891

: the passively floating or weakly swimming usually minute animal and plant life of a body of water

— plank·ton·ic \plaŋ(k)-ˈtä-nik\ adjective