word
phytoplankton
fy-toh-PLANK-tun
ˌfaɪtoʊˈplæŋktənListen
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Syllable breakdown
phytoplankton
Dictionary meaning
Microscopic marine plants that form the base of the ocean food chain and produce much of Earth's oxygen.
History and origin
Greek — 'phyto' (plant) + 'plankton' (wandering).
Examples
- Phytoplankton produce roughly half of the world's oxygen — making them the lungs of the ocean.
Common mispronunciations
FY-toh-plank-tunfy-toh-PLANK-tin
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