neuston
Americannoun
noun
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organisms, similar to plankton, that float on the surface film of open water
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the ecosystem of the surface film of open water in which such organisms as copepods graze on tiny flagellates, bacteria, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of neuston
1925–30; < German; noun use of neuter of Greek neustós swimming, verbid of neîn to swim
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The second one involved neuston nets towed at the surface to take samples at nine stations.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 19, 2024
While removing ocean plastic is important, Helm says, she worries about how this technology is affecting the assemblage of marine life living at the ocean’s surface, which is known collectively as the neuston.
From Slate ● Jan. 22, 2024
Egger co-authored a study in 2021 which found that there is a higher plastic-to-organism ratio of neuston inside the Great Pacific Garbage Patch area than outside of it.
From Slate ● Jan. 22, 2024
The team found that there were much higher concentrations of neuston within the patch than outside it.
From New York Times ● May 6, 2022
And floating at its surface were blue dragon nudibranchs, Portuguese man-o-wars, and other small surface-dwelling animals, which are collectively known as neuston.
From New York Times ● May 6, 2022
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