[ 'nɛkt(ə)n , -tɒn ]
■ noun Zoology aquatic animals that are able to swim and move independently of water currents, as distinct from plankton.
Derivatives
~ic adjective
Origin
C19: via Ger. from Gk nēkton , neut. of nēktos 'swimming', from nēkhein 'to swim'.