epilimnion

noun

epi·​lim·​ni·​on ˌe-pə-ˈlim-nē-ˌän How to pronounce epilimnion (audio)
-nē-ən
: the water layer overlying the thermocline of a lake

Word History

Etymology

epi- + Greek límnē "standing water, pool, marshy lake" + -ion, noun suffix — more at limnetic

Note: See note at hypolimnion.

First Known Use

circa 1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epilimnion was circa 1910

Dictionary Entries Near epilimnion

Cite this Entry

“Epilimnion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epilimnion. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on epilimnion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!