coprolite

[ kop-ruh-lahyt ]

noun
  1. a stony mass consisting of fossilized fecal matter of animals.

Origin of coprolite

1
First recorded in 1820–30; copro- + -lite

Other words from coprolite

  • cop·ro·lit·ic [kop-ruh-lit-ik], /ˌkɒp rəˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby coprolite

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How to use coprolite in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for coprolite

coprolite

/ (ˈkɒprəˌlaɪt) /


noun
  1. any of various rounded stony nodules thought to be the fossilized faeces of Palaeozic-Cenozoic vertebrates

Derived forms of coprolite

  • coprolitic (ˌkɒprəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for coprolite

coprolite

[ kŏprə-līt′ ]


  1. Fossilized excrement. Analysis of the fossilized animal and plant remains within coprolites provides important information about the diet and environment of ancient biota.

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