-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
water flea
noun
: any of various small active dark or brightly colored aquatic crustaceans (such as a daphnia or cyclops)
Examples of water flea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2019, the biologists finally arrived at the optimal formula of mysid shrimp, water fleas and blood worms.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 9 May 2024
Birdseed and the plants that attract songbirds aren’t a big draw for waterfowl, as most prefer beetles, snails, water fleas and other insects found on the edges of lakes and ponds.
—Renee Elder, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
To test for some of the potential adverse effects of these plastics, the researchers exposed a model organism called a water flea, or Daphnia, to different concentrations of the microplastics leached from the tea bags.
—Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 26 Sep. 2019
Not bad for a water flea.
—Andrew Moseman, Discover Magazine, 4 Feb. 2011
See all Example Sentences for water flea
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1687, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to water flea
Dictionary Entries Near water flea
Cite this Entry
“Water flea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20flea. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
water flea
noun
: any of various small active dark or brightly colored freshwater crustaceans (as a daphnia)
More from Merriam-Webster on water flea
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about water flea
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share