diatomaceous

Variant of diatom

diatom definition

dia·tom (dī′e täm′, -təm)

noun

any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of microscopic algae (division Chromophycota), one-celled or in colonies, whose cell walls consist of interlocking parts and valves and contain silica: diatoms are a source of food for all kinds of marine life

Etymology: ModL diatoma < Gr diatomos, cut in two < diatemnein, to cut through < dia-, through + temnein, to cut: see -tomy

Related Forms:

  • diatomaceous di′a·to·ma′·ceous (dī′ə tə mā′s̸həs, dī at′ə-) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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