perlite

or pearl·ite

[ pur-lahyt ]

nounPetrography.
  1. a volcanic glass in which concentric fractures impart a distinctive structure resembling masses of small spheroids, used as a plant growth medium.

Origin of perlite

1
From French, dating back to 1825–35; see origin at pearl, -ite1

Other words from perlite

  • per·lit·ic [pur-lit-ik], /pɜrˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby perlite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use perlite in a sentence

  • But this un isn't thet koind of a man, an' he's so moighty perlite about it Oi jist cud n't sind the loikes of him away.

    Bob Hampton of Placer | Randall Parrish

British Dictionary definitions for perlite

perlite

pearlite

/ (ˈpɜːlaɪt) /


noun
  1. a variety of obsidian consisting of masses of small pearly globules: used as a filler, insulator, and soil conditioner

Origin of perlite

1
C19: from French, from perle pearl 1

Derived forms of perlite

  • perlitic or pearlitic (pɜːˈlɪtɪk), 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