neuston

noun

neus·​ton ˈnü-ˌstän 

ˈnyü-

: minute organisms that float in the surface film of water

Examples of neuston in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Sargasso was previously the only ocean spot known to host neustons in such high densities, researchers reported Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 5 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

German, from Greek, neuter of neustos swimming, from nein to swim — more at natant

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above