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Glite Dictionary
benthonic

benthonic

9.9
On the bottom of a sea or lake
  • adjective
  • /bɛnˈθɒnɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bentónico
  • Some fish are adapted to life in the benthonic region of lakes and rivers.

Examples

  • The benthonic organisms thrive in deep ocean environments.

  • Many benthonic species are sensitive to changes in water quality.

  • Researchers collected benthonic samples to study the sediment's composition.

  • Some fish are adapted to life in the benthonic region of lakes and rivers.

  • The benthonic zone supports a wide variety of unique marine organisms.

  • Researchers collected benthonic samples to study the sediment's composition.

  • The benthonic zone supports a wide variety of unique marine organisms.

Synonyms

benthic
vsbenthonic
  • Specialized
1 9.6

Relating to the bottom of a sea, lake, or other body of water

is the identical idea but used as a different word form
bottom-dwelling
vsbenthonic
1 6.1

An animal that lives on the bottom of the sea or ocean, for example a fish

is broader meaning relating to the bottom not limited to animals
benthal
vsbenthonic
  • Specialized
9.9

On the bottom of a sea or lake

is the same meaning but is an alternative word form
demersal
vsbenthonic
  • Specialized
9.6

Living near the bottom of seas and lakes

is a general adjective about being on the bottom not specifically about living there
epibenthic
vsbenthonic
  • Specialized
9.9

Living on the bottom of seas and lakes or just above it

is about being on the bottom itself rather than slightly above it

Compounds

benthonic zone
  • Specialized
9.9

The part of the sea that includes the bottom and the area near the shore

Surface Forms

benthonic positive

Morphology

benthonic = benthic (semi-transparent) = benth + onic

Formed from the combining form 'benth-' (bottom) plus the adjective-forming element '-onic'; learners who know 'benthic' or 'benthos' can often infer the meaning, but '-onic' is less transparently productive.

Etymology

Benthonic comes from the Greek word benthos, which means 'the bottom of the sea', and the same root is behind benthic, a word for animals that live on the sea floor. So, benthonic means 'relating to' or 'occurring on' the bottom of a sea, lake, or other body of water.