aphotic

adjective

apho·​tic (ˌ)ā-ˈfō-tik How to pronounce aphotic (audio)
: being the deep zone of an ocean or lake receiving too little light to permit photosynthesis

Examples of aphotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The name fits Arca’s aphotic aesthetics, sure, but is a curious choice for a show so predicated on human connection and revelation. Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023 The dark aphotic zone is home to plankton and other organisms that could potentially get trapped in filters or experience long-term effects from the brine. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2023 The Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, Red Sea and all the world's oceans reach what's known as the aphotic zone, where the only light is generated by organisms. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 23 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aphotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aphotic was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near aphotic

Cite this Entry

“Aphotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aphotic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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