Krill - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans found in oceans worldwide. They are a vital food source for many marine animals, including whales and penguins, and play a key role in the aquatic ecosystem.
Definition:
Small shrimp-like crustaceans, vital in marine food chains, often eaten by whales.
Synonyms:
plankton, shrimp, copepods
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
predator, whale (contextual opposites)
Common Collocations:
krill swarm, Antarctic krill, krill oil, feed on krill
Derivatives:
krilling (rare), krill-based
Usage Tips:
Use "krill" to refer to the species collectively; it’s typically singular in form but plural in meaning.
Common Phrases:
swarm of krill, krill fishery, rich in krill
Etymology:
From Norwegian "kril," meaning small fry or tiny fish, first recorded in English circa 1900.
Examples:
- 1. The whale swallowed a mass of krill whole.
- 2. Krill are a key food source for penguins and seals.
- 3. Scientists study krill to understand ocean ecosystems better.
- 4. Krill oil supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.