scolecite
(ˈskɒlɪsaɪt)
Formerly skol-, scolezite.
[f. Gr. σκωληκ-, σκώληξ scolex + -ite1.
The name in sense 1 was given because the mineral sometimes curls up when heated. The orig. form scolezite is f. Ger. scolezit (1813, see Chester Dict. Min. 1896).]
1. Min. Hydrous silicate of aluminium and calcium, found in needle-shaped crystals and fibrous or radiated masses.
| 1823 W. Phillips Min. (ed. 3) 40 Skolezite. 1829 Nat. Philos., Optics xviii. 61 (U.K.S.) Scolezite. 1857 Dana Man. Min. (1862) 167 Scolecite resembles natrolite. |
2. Bot. The vermiform carpogonium of certain fungi.
| 1875 Cooke & Berkeley Fungi 173 Tulasne observes that this ‘scolecite’ or ringed body can be readily isolated in Ascobolus furfuraceus. 1882 Vines tr. Sachs' Bot. 310 The adjacent threads put out small branches, pollinodia, the terminal cells of which attach themselves firmly to the anterior part of the scolecite. |