Search Dictionary
Definition of phytoplankton

phytoplankton

/ˌfaɪ.toʊˈplæŋk.tən/
phy · to · plank · ton
Plural:phytoplanktons
•
Adjective:phytoplanktonic
JUMP TO:

phytoplankton Lexical Profile

phytoplankton Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Microscopic, photosynthetic organisms—including diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria—that inhabit the sunlit upper layers of oceans and freshwater bodies, serving as the primary producers at the base of aquatic food webs and generating a major portion of Earth's atmospheric oxygen.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for phytoplankton
Antonyms
View all antonyms for phytoplankton

Word Nuance & Usage

Phytoplankton is typically used as an uncountable mass noun or a plural collective noun (analogous to 'plankton'); an individual organism is more precisely referred to as a phytoplankter.

• Rhymes for phytoplankton

• Nearby Words

physocarpus
physostegia
phyteuma
phytoplankton
piako
piano
piapiac

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century by German marine biologist Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg and popularized by Victor Hensen, combining Ancient Greek phyton ('plant') with planktos ('wandering' or 'drifting').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Phytoplankton. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/phytoplankton
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.