neuston

American  

[noo-ston, nyoo-] / ˈnu stɒn, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. the aggregate of minute aquatic organisms that float or swim in the surface film of a body of water.

---

neuston British  

/ ˈnjuːstən /

noun

1. organisms, similar to plankton, that float on the surface film of open water

2. the ecosystem of the surface film of open water in which such organisms as copepods graze on tiny flagellates, bacteria, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• neustic adjective
• neustonic adjective

Etymology

Origin of neuston

1925–30; < German; noun use of neuter of Greek neustós swimming, verbid of neîn to swim

Example Sentences

The second one involved neuston nets towed at the surface to take samples at nine stations.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2024

However, some scientists are skeptical that plastic-removal device companies can claim a minimal impact on neuston given how much we still don’t know about these organisms.

From Slate • Jan. 22, 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

In some parts of the patch, there were nearly as many neuston as pieces of plastic.

From New York Times • May 6, 2022

Although adjustments to the net’s design have been made to reduce bycatch, Dr. Helm believes any large-scale removal of plastic from the patch could pose a threat to its neuston inhabitants.

From New York Times • May 6, 2022