PLANKTON

[plank.ton] n [G, fr. Gk, neut. of planktos drifting, fr. plazesthai to wander, drift, middle voice of plazein to drive astray; akin to L plangere to strike--more at plaint] (1891): the passively floating or weakly swimming usu. minute animal and plant life of a body of water -- plank.ton.ic adj