fitoplancton
/fitoplanɡton/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English word phytoplankton is translated into Spanish as fitoplancton.
fitoplancton is a noun used to describe plankton that obtain energy through photosynthesis.
Meaning: plankton that obtain energy through photosynthesis (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of the Greek-derived fito- (plant) and plancton (drifter/wanderer).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is typically used in its singular form to refer to the collective mass of phytoplankton.
How do you pronounce it?
/fitoplanɡton/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the prefix fito- is so versatile that it extends beyond biology to terms like fitocosmética, describing plant-based cosmetics.
- The term fitoplancton is a key word in discussing the environmental phenomenon known as maré roja, or 'red tide', which describes dangerous algae blooms.
- If you see the prefix fito- in a Spanish medical or biological term, such as fitoterapia, you can immediately identify a connection to plants even if you do not know the full word.
Examples in context
- El fitoplancton es esencial para el equilibrio del ecosistema marinoPhytoplankton is essential for the balance of the marine ecosystem
- El plancton vegetal es crucial para mantener la vida en el océanoVegetal plankton is crucial for sustaining life in the ocean
- Mira, ese fitoplanctoncito brilla en el aguaLook, that little phytoplankton sparkles in the water
- La investigación científica demuestra la importancia del fitoplancton en la producción de oxígenoScientific research demonstrates the importance of phytoplankton in oxygen production
- ¡Mira cómo se mueven los planctoncitos vegetales al compás de las olas!Look how the little vegetal plankton moves to the rhythm of the waves!
- El fitoplancton es la base de la cadena alimentaria.Phytoplankton is the base of the food chain.
- Necesitamos estudiar el fitoplancton en este océano.We need to study the phytoplankton in this ocean.
- El fitoplancton produce gran parte del oxígeno.Phytoplankton produces much of the oxygen.
Example conversation
Two biology students are discussing their lab results.
- SofíaMateo, ¿viste la muestra de fitoplancton?Mateo, did you see the phytoplankton sample?
- MateoSí, Sofía, es muy pequeña.Yes, Sofía, it is very small.
- SofíaEs increíble cómo ayuda al ecosistema.It is incredible how it helps the ecosystem.
- MateoTienes razón, es esencial para nosotros.You are right, it is essential for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phytoplankton” translations and entries fitoplancton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
