epipelagic

adjective

epi·​pe·​lag·​ic ˌe-pi-pə-ˈla-jik How to pronounce epipelagic (audio)
: of, relating to, or constituting the part of the oceanic zone into which enough light penetrates for photosynthesis

Examples of epipelagic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The results were surprising; not only did the group find that large epipelagic prey are a relatively minor part of these shark’s overall diet, but eDNA metabarcoding revealed new prey items for cookiecutter sharks! Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2021 Our knowledge about the ocean has long been concentrated in its uppermost waters, the top 200 meters known as the epipelagic zone. Susan Casey, Outside Online, 22 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epipelagic.' 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

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epipelagic was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near epipelagic

Cite this Entry

“Epipelagic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epipelagic. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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