neuston

noun

neus·​ton ˈnü-ˌstän How to pronounce neuston (audio)
ˈnyü-
: minute organisms that float in the surface film of water

Examples of neuston in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Sargasso was previously the only ocean spot known to host neustons in such high densities, researchers reported Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology. Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 5 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

German, from Greek, neuter of neustos swimming, from nein to swim — more at natant

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuston was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near neuston

Cite this Entry

“Neuston.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuston. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on neuston

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!