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Glite Dictionary
diatomite

diatomite

9.9
A light, soft rock made from tiny algae shells used to filter water and soak up liquids
  • noun
  • /ˈdaɪəˌtoʊmaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : diatomita
  • The company uses diatomite as a lightweight filter medium in several water purification systems.

Examples

  • Scientists measured the absorbent properties of diatomite when testing new pesticide filtration techniques.

  • Many gardeners mix diatomite into potting soil to improve drainage and root aeration.

  • The diatomite is used in various filtration systems.

  • Many aquariums utilize diatomite for water clarity.

  • The company uses diatomite as a lightweight filter medium in several water purification systems.

  • Many gardeners mix diatomite into potting soil to improve drainage and root aeration.

  • Scientists measured the absorbent properties of diatomite when testing new pesticide filtration techniques.

Synonyms

diatomaceous earth
vsdiatomite
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A soft, light powder made from fossil bits of tiny water plants used to kill insects and filter liquids

focuses on a porous sedimentary form rather than loose powder
kieselguhr
vsdiatomite
  • Specialized
9.9

A soft light powder from tiny fossil shells used to filter or soak up liquids

focuses more on being a sedimentary material formed from microscopic remains

Surface Forms

diatomite singular
diatomites plural

Morphology

diatomite = diatom (transparent) = diatom + ite

Formed by the noun 'diatom' + the suffix '-ite' meaning a rock or material composed of or related to the base, so the material sense is directly derivable from the base.

Etymology

Diatomite comes from tiny water plants called diatoms plus the rock ending -ite, as in graphite. Because diatoms leave behind fine glass shells that pile up into a very light rock full of tiny holes, diatomite is used for filtering and for soaking up liquids.