neus·ton (n  st n, ny-)n. The collection of minute or microscopic organisms that inhabit the surface layer of a body of water. [Greek neuston, neuter of neustos, swimming, from nein, to swim; see (s)n  u- in Indo-European roots.] |
neuston [ˈnjuːstən]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) organisms, similar to plankton, that float on the surface film of open water
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the ecosystem of the surface film of open water in which such organisms as copepods graze on tiny flagellates, bacteria, etc.
[via German from Greek neustos swimming, from nein to swim]
neustonic adj
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