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