Nannoplankton
/ˌnæn.oʊˈplæŋk.tən/noun
Plankton made up of extremely small organisms, especially tiny algae.
Did you know?Nannoplankton is built from Greek roots meaning “dwarf” and “wandering,” so even the smallest ocean life carries a name tied to motion, scale, and ancient observation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
nánnos
“dwarf; very small person”
Ancient Greek
Greek
planktós
“wandering; drifting”
Late 19th Century
English
nannoplankton
“a very small form of plankton”
20th Century
English
nannoplankton
“microscopic plankton, especially the smallest algal forms”