Definition

The layer of water in a lake that is below the upper warm layer, where the water is cold and does not mix with the layers above it.

Example

In summer, the hypolimnion remains cold and isolated from the warmer surface water.

Conversation

Did you know that lakes have different layers of water?

Yeah, I heard about that! What's the coldest layer called again?

It's called the hypolimnion, and it stays pretty cold all the time.

That's interesting! I never realized how complex lake ecosystems are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypolimnion → It is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under) and "limnion" (from Greek "limnion", meaning small lake or pond). The word refers to the lower layer of water in a stratified lake, specifically the layer that is beneath the thermocline.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypo-' meaning 'under' and 'limnion' referring to a 'small lake' — together, they help you remember that the hypolimnion is the layer of water found beneath the surface in a lake.

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