French Conversation · Level 108
60 words
French word
phytoplancton
Pronunciation
IPA/fitoplɑ̃ktɔ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounphytoplankton
Example
Le phytoplancton diminue parfois à cause de la pollution.
Phytoplankton sometimes declines because of pollution.
More examples
On trouve trop de phytoplancton près du rivage.
Too much phytoplankton is found near the shore.
Core concept
A cloud of tiny drifting organisms that use light to grow in fresh or salt water.
Common phrases
trop de phytoplancton
too much phytoplankton
eau riche en phytoplancton
water rich in phytoplankton
Similar words
plancton: A collection of tiny organisms and organic matter drifting in water.
zooplancton: A collection of tiny aquatic animals and animal-like organisms drifting in water.
Definition in French
Ensemble de microalgues et d'autres micro-organismes photosynthétiques en suspension dans les eaux douces ou marines.
Word origin
French phytoplancton combines Greek phyton, 'plant', with plankton, from Greek planktos, 'wandering', as a scientific term for drifting life.
Usage tips
- Phytoplancton is masculine in French, so standard forms include le phytoplancton and du phytoplancton.