microplankton

1 7.4

Very small living things that float in the sea or lakes and are often food for baby fish

noun
/ˌmaɪkroʊˈplæŋktən/

Specialized

: microplancton

Under higher magnification, microplankton, such as diatoms and ciliates, become visible and are interesting to watch.

Examples

The study found that microplankton are essential for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Scientists observed diverse species of microplankton thriving in the nutrient-rich waters near the coast.
All species are filter feeders, and many are fan-shaped, a growth form which maximizes contact of feeding surfaces with particles or microplankton entrained in the water column.

Academic text (1993)
Microplankton play a crucial role in the marine food web by serving as a primary food source for tiny sea creatures.

How Small

nanoplankton

Specialized

1 9.4

microplankton

Specialized

1 7.4

Surface Forms

microplankton singular

microplankton plural

Morphology

microplankton = plankton (transparent) = micro + plankton

The meaning is directly compositional: 'micro-' means very small and 'plankton' refers to drifting aquatic organisms.

Etymology

The word microplankton combines micro- meaning 'small' (as in microscope) and plankton meaning 'drifters' or tiny plants and animals that float in the water. So microplankton are the very small drifting organisms you find in oceans and lakes.