diatomite
(daɪˈætəmaɪt)
[f. as prec. + -ite.]
Diatomaceous or infusorial earth.
| 1887 Sci. Amer. 12 Mar. 161/1 The fossil meal, diatomite, or infusorial earth of the English. 1905 Chambers's Jrnl. Aug. 622/1 Diatomite is an excellent non-conductor of heat. 1939 J. G. D. Clark Archaeol. & Soc. ii. 51 Among the more specialized minerals the digging of which has benefited archaeology, one may mention diatomite, a freshwater silt used for insulation purposes. 1957 G. E. Hutchinson Treat. Limnol. I. i. 41 Deposits of diatomite are frequently found at the sites of such lakes. |