planktonic

English

Etymology

From plankton +‎ -ic, after German planktonisch.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /plaŋkˈtɒnɪk/
• (US) IPA: /plæŋkˈtɑnɪk/

Adjective

planktonic (not comparable)

1. Of or pertaining to plankton.
   • 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 146:

     Tiny shells of planktonic animals rain down from the surface waters of the ocean on to the deep sea-floor.

2. Floating in the open sea rather than living on the seafloor.

See also

• benthic
• oceanic
• pelagic