coprolite

[ kop-ruh-lahyt ]

/ ˈkɒp rəˌlaɪt /

noun

a stony mass consisting of fossilized fecal matter of animals.

Nearby words

coproduce, coproduct, coproduction, coprolagnia, coprolalia, coprolite, coprolith, coprolitic, coprology, coproma, coprophagous

Origin of coprolite

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

Related forms

cop·ro·lit·ic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for coprolite

coprolite

/ (ˈkɒprəˌlaɪt) /

noun

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

Derived Forms

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

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.