This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
benthos
[ ben-thos ]
/ ˈbɛn θɒs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the biogeographic region that includes the bottom of a lake, sea, or ocean, and the littoral and supralittoral zones of the shore.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Also called benthic division, benthonic zone .
Words nearby benthos
bent grass, Bentham, Benthamism, benthic, benthon, benthos, Bentinck, Bentley, bento, Benton, Benton Harbor
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for benthos
benthos
benthon
/ (ˈbɛnθɒs) /
noun
the animals and plants living at the bottom of a sea or lake
the bottom of a sea or lake
Derived forms of benthos
benthic, benthal or benthonic, adjectiveWord Origin for benthos
C19: from Greek: depth; related to bathus deep
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for benthos
benthos
[ bĕn′thŏs′ ]
The bottom of a sea or lake.
The organisms living on sea or lake bottoms. The benthos are divided into sessile organisms (those that are attached to the bottom or to objects on or near the bottom) and vagrant organisms (those that crawl or swim along the bottom). Compare nekton plankton. See more at epifauna infauna.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.