Phytoplankton

Origin

From - + plankton.

From Ancient Greek φυτόν (phuton, "plant") + πλαγκτόν, neuter of πλαγκτός (planktos, "wandering"). However, they are no longer classified as plants, so the terminology is showing a historical meaning.

Noun

1. plankton which obtain energy by photosynthesis

Synonyms

• microalga

Derived terms

• phytoplankton bloom