coprolite

American  

[kop-ruh-lahyt] / ˈkɒp rəˌlaɪt /

noun

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

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coprolite British  

/ ˈkɒprəˌlaɪt, ˌkɒprəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

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

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coprolite Scientific  

/ kŏp′rə-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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Other Word Forms

• coprolitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of coprolite

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

Example Sentences

The coprolites contained remains of fish, insects, larger animals and plants, some of which were unusually well preserved, including small beetles and semi-complete fish.

From Science Daily

“It’s a common joke among paleontologists that coprolites happen,” Qvarnström says.

From Science Magazine

Mr Frandsen's foray into coprolite hunting arose after he first saw one as a teenager in a rock and fossil shop in Utah, having already been fascinated by fossils as a child.

From BBC

Encircling the footprint of each roundhouse were "middens," haloes of rubbish dumped from the stilt village above, included broken pots, butchered animal bone, and "coprolites" or fossilised faeces.

From Science Daily

Dr. De Cupere studies everything including bones, teeth and shells as well as coprolites, or fossilized feces, and animal prints.

From New York Times