coprolite

[kop-ruh-lahyt]

noun

a stony mass consisting of fossilized fecal matter of animals.

Origin of coprolite

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

Related formscop·ro·lit·ic

[kop-ruh-lit-ik] /ˌkɒp rəˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for coprolite

coprolite

noun

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

Derived Formscoprolitic (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

Word Origin and History for coprolite

fossil dung, 1829, from copro- + -lite, from French, for -lithe, from Greek lithos "stone" (see litho-).

Science definitions for coprolite

coprolite

[kŏp′rə-līt′]

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