phytoplankton
noun
phy·to·plank·ton
ˌfī-tō-ˈplaŋ(k)-tən 
-ˌtän
plural phytoplankton also phytoplanktons
: minute aquatic photosynthetic organisms (such as dinoflagellates, diatoms, and cyanobacteria) : photosynthetic plankton of freshwater or marine environments
Twenty to 40 different species of phytoplankton … can coexist within a single cubic centimeter of water, all vying just for light and a handful of nutrients.—
O. Baker
O. BakerPhytoplankton—myriad small, mostly unicellular algae and bacteria that occupy the surface waters of seas and lakes—dominate aquatic primary production, and over time they have radically altered Earth's atmosphere.—Robert Riding
Robert RidingPhytoplankton form the foundation of marine food chains, and their seasonal blooms are responsible for more than half the photosynthesis, and the resulting production of oxygen, that occurs on Earth.—Robin George Andrews
Robin George AndrewsAntarctic krill are thumb-sized crustaceans that feast on drifting phytoplankton …—Usha Lee McFarling
compare zooplankton
Usha Lee McFarlingExamples of phytoplankton in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During photosynthesis, phytoplankton consume CO2, sunlight and nutrients, including iron.
—Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024
That’s important because each phytoplankton community may play different roles in ecosystems and food chains.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024
Her research interest focuses on phytoplankton ecology and factors that influence light in marine environments.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024
This iceberg is large enough to interfere with the additional primary production (diatoms, like algae) that is produced as the nutrient rich water that upwells in the Taylor column feeds the phytoplankton.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytoplankton 
Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024
That’s important because each phytoplankton community may play different roles in ecosystems and food chains.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024
Her research interest focuses on phytoplankton ecology and factors that influence light in marine environments.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024
This iceberg is large enough to interfere with the additional primary production (diatoms, like algae) that is produced as the nutrient rich water that upwells in the Taylor column feeds the phytoplankton.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytoplankton
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phytoplankton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near phytoplankton
Cite this Entry
“Phytoplankton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytoplankton. Accessed 30 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
phytoplankton
noun
phy·to·plank·ton
ˌfī-tō-ˈplaŋ(k)-tən
-ˌtän
: plankton that is composed of plants
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share