Pronunciation: [kɹˈɪl] (IPA) 
The word "krill" is spelled with a "k" instead of a "c" because it comes from the Norwegian language, where the "k" is more commonly used in place of the English "c". The IPA phonetic transcription for "krill" is /krɪl/, with the stress on the first syllable. This pronunciation is important to know when discussing these small, shrimp-like crustaceans that are a key food source for many marine animals.
Krill is a noun that refers to a tiny, shrimp-like marine crustacean. They belong to the order Euphausiacea and are found in all oceans, particularly in the Antarctic and North Pacific. These small organisms play a critical role in the marine food chain as primary consumers. They serve as a major food source for various marine animals, including whales, seals, penguins, and fish.
Krill typically measure between 1 and 6 centimeters in length and have a translucent, shrimp-like appearance. They possess a hard exoskeleton that provides protection. They feature a pair of large antennae used for filter feeding by collecting tiny particles of food from the water. Their diet mainly consists of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Due to their immense numbers, krill can form massive swarms that can be seen from space. These swarms play a significant role in nutrient cycling in the ocean, as they help transport carbon from the surface to the deep sea through their excrement.
In addition to their ecological importance, krill has also garnered attention for its potential commercial value. They are sought after for their high nutritional content, which includes omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. Krill oil, extracted from these organisms, is used as a dietary supplement for human consumption and as animal feed.
Overall, krill represents a vital part of the marine ecosystem, impacting both the biodiversity of the ocean and human enterprises.
The word "krill" has its origin in Norwegian. It comes from the Norwegian word kril or krill, meaning "small fry of fish". This term was initially used to refer to small fish, but in the late 19th century, it started being used to describe the small shrimp-like marine animals that are now commonly known as krill. The word was eventually adopted into English, maintaining its original spelling and pronunciations.
