benthic
adjective
ben·thic
ˈben(t)-thik 
1
: of, relating to, or occurring at the bottom of a body of water
2
: of, relating to, or occurring in the depths of the ocean
Examples of benthic in a Sentence
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Recognizable by their strong pharyngeal teeth used to crush mollusc shells, black carps can significantly impact local ecosystems by feeding on mussels and snails, and competing with other native benthic fishes like smallmouth buffalo.
—
Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026
The long-term effects of nodule mining on deep-sea biodiversity are unknown—like so much of the deep ocean and its fertile benthic ecosystems, whose mysteries scientists are only beginning to unravel.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026
The Arctic and sub-Arctic waters are nutrient-rich during the summer, which supports booming populations of amphipods and other benthic organisms.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
According to the study authors, these changes can be tied to stagnation and decline in the ocean’s biodiversity, particularly among benthic animals, or animals associated with the bottom of the sea, such as corals, crustaceans, and brachiopods.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2025
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Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026
The long-term effects of nodule mining on deep-sea biodiversity are unknown—like so much of the deep ocean and its fertile benthic ecosystems, whose mysteries scientists are only beginning to unravel.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026
The Arctic and sub-Arctic waters are nutrient-rich during the summer, which supports booming populations of amphipods and other benthic organisms.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
According to the study authors, these changes can be tied to stagnation and decline in the ocean’s biodiversity, particularly among benthic animals, or animals associated with the bottom of the sea, such as corals, crustaceans, and brachiopods.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for benthic
Cite this Entry
“Benthic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benthic. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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