[], (Noun)

Definitions:
- Originally: the macroscopic plants found free-floating on, or partly under, the water surface. Later also: any of the organisms floating at the water surface, considered collectively.


Phrases:

Origin:
early 20th century. From German Pleuston from ancient Greek πλευστέον necessity of sailing (from πλεῖν to sail, swim + -τέον, neuter of -τέος, suffix forming verbal adjectives expressing necessity), after German Plankton, Nekton