Plankton
/ˈplæŋk.tən/noun
Tiny drifting organisms, especially in water, that cannot swim against currents.
Did you know?Plankton comes from Greek planktós, meaning “wandering” or “drifting,” the same ancient root behind words for error, roaming, and even the idea of being led astray.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πλαγκτός (planktós)
“wandering, drifting, errant”
Late 19th Century
English
plankton
“the drifting organisms of the sea”
Modern English
English
plankton
“microscopic or small organisms carried by water currents”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πλανάω (planáō)
“to wander, lead astray”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pel-
“to drive, strike, or thrust”
Explore more surprising origins