benthic

adjective

ben·​thic ˈben(t)-thik How to pronounce benthic (audio)
Synonyms of benthicnext
1
: of, relating to, or occurring at the bottom of a body of water
2
: of, relating to, or occurring in the depths of the ocean

Examples of benthic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Supporting future development Project leaders described Expedition 7 as one of the most productive benthic baseline campaigns completed within the deep-sea minerals sector. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 Instead, the estuary stingray relied more heavily on benthic fish and crustaceans. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026 Recognizable by their strong pharyngeal teeth used to crush mollusc shells, black carps can significantly impact local ecosystems by feeding on mussels and snails, and competing with other native benthic fishes like smallmouth buffalo. Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026 The long-term effects of nodule mining on deep-sea biodiversity are unknown—like so much of the deep ocean and its fertile benthic ecosystems, whose mysteries scientists are only beginning to unravel. Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for benthic

Word History

Etymology

benthos

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of benthic was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Benthic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benthic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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