Pelagic: meaning, definitions and examples
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pelagic
[ pəˈlædʒɪk ]
oceanic zone
Pelagic refers to the open sea, particularly the water column that is not close to the shore or the ocean floor. It describes organisms or ecosystems that thrive in the vast regions of the ocean, away from land. Pelagic species, such as certain fish and marine mammals, often exhibit adaptations to life in the open water.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pelagic zone is home to many species of fish.
- We studied pelagic ecosystems during our marine biology course.
- Tuna are an example of pelagic fish that migrate vast distances.
- Scientists explore the pelagic environment to understand its biodiversity.
Translations
Translations of the word "pelagic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pelágico
🇮🇳 पेलागिक
🇩🇪 pelagisch
🇮🇩 pelagis
🇺🇦 пелагічний
🇵🇱 pelagiczny
🇯🇵 外洋の
🇫🇷 pélagique
🇪🇸 pelágico
🇹🇷 pelajik
🇰🇷 공해의
🇸🇦 محير
🇨🇿 pelagický
🇸🇰 pelagický
🇨🇳 公海的
🇸🇮 pelagični
🇮🇸 pelagískur
🇰🇿 пелагиялық
🇬🇪 პელაგიური
🇦🇿 pelagik
🇲🇽 pelágico
Word origin
The term 'pelagic' originates from the Greek word 'pelagikos', which means 'of the sea' and is derived from 'pelagos', meaning 'open sea' or 'ocean'. The first known use of 'pelagic' in English dates back to the early 19th century. The word has been used in marine biology and oceanography to describe animals and plants that inhabit the open ocean, distinguishing them from those that live in coastal or benthic (ocean floor) environments. Its usage has expanded with advancements in marine research, allowing scientists to classify a variety of life forms that exist in the pelagic zone, highlighting the vastness and diversity of life in the ocean.