demersal

adjective

de·​mer·​sal di-ˈmər-səl How to pronounce demersal (audio)
: living near, deposited on, or sinking to the bottom of the sea
demersal fish eggs

Examples of demersal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The muscles of European sea bass contain little plastic, but the stomachs of British demersal sharks contain significant quantities. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 15 Sep. 2020

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin demersus (past participle of demergere to sink, from de- + mergere to dip, sink) + English -al entry 1 — more at merge

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of demersal was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near demersal

Cite this Entry

“Demersal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demersal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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