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Glite Dictionary
nummulite

nummulite

9.9
A large flat fossil shell of a tiny sea animal that looks like a coin
  • noun
  • /ˈnʌməˌlaɪt/
  • Specialized
: nummulita
  • Geologists found a fossil nummulite dating back to the Tertiary period.

Examples

  • A single nummulite can be several centimeters in diameter.

  • Many nummulites can be found in limestone.

  • The limestone was composed almost entirely of nummulite shells.

  • The nummulite is a fascinating fossil.

  • A single nummulite can be several centimeters in diameter.

  • Geologists found a fossil nummulite dating back to the Tertiary period.

  • The limestone was composed almost entirely of nummulite shells.

Surface Forms

nummulite singular
nummulites plural

Morphology

nummulite = nummul (opaque) = nummul + ite

The combining form 'nummul-' is not a recognizable standalone word for most learners and the technical suffix '-ite' marks a fossil/mineral term, so the meaning is not derivable by average learners.

Etymology

The word nummulite comes from the Latin nummulus meaning 'small coin' and the ending -ite used for stones. So a nummulite is a 'coin-shaped' stone, which helps you remember these flat, round fossils that look like big coins.