1. A small shrimp-like marine crustacean of the order Euphausiida, typically found in large swarms in ocean waters and serving as a major food source for whales and other marine animals.
Usage: Also called krill; Scientific/technical term; Commonly used in marine biology and oceanography

Examples

• Euphausiids are among the most abundant animals in the ocean.
• Baleen whales feed primarily on euphausiids during their feeding season.
• The Antarctic waters teem with euphausiids that form the base of the food chain.
• Scientists study euphausiid populations to monitor ocean health.
• Penguins and seals also depend on euphausiids for nutrition.
• A single euphausiid is only a few centimeters long but occurs in massive numbers.