nekton

 
Pronunciation: /ˈnɛkt(ə)n, -tɒn/

noun

[mass noun] Zoology
  • aquatic animals that are able to swim and move independently of water currents. Often contrasted with plankton.

Derivatives

nektonic

adjective

Origin:

late 19th century: via German from Greek nēkton, neuter of nēktos 'swimming', from nēkhein 'to swim'