diatomaceous earth


noun
  1. a fine siliceous earth composed chiefly of the cell walls of diatoms: used in filtration, as an abrasive, etc.

Origin of diatomaceous earth

1
First recorded in 1880–85
  • Also called di·at·o·mite [dahy-at-uh-mahyt], /daɪˈæt əˌmaɪt/, kieselguhr.

Words Nearby diatomaceous earth

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How to use diatomaceous earth in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for diatomaceous earth

diatomaceous earth

noun
  1. an unconsolidated form of diatomite: Also called: kieselguhr

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