What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pleuston
Example
The jellyfish is an example of pleuston. [pleuston: noun]
Example
Many species of algae and bacteria are classified as pleuston. [pleustonic: adjective]
neuston
Example
The water strider is a common neuston insect. [neuston: noun]
Example
The neustonic zone is home to many unique species of plankton. [neustonic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neuston is a more commonly used term than pleuston in scientific literature and research. However, both terms are relatively uncommon in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pleuston and neuston?
Both pleuston and neuston are formal terms used primarily in scientific contexts.
