diatomaceous earth
noun
a fine siliceous earth composed chiefly of the cell walls of diatoms: used in filtration, as an abrasive, etc.
Origin of diatomaceous earth
1First recorded in 1880–85
- Also called di·at·o·mite [dahy-at-uh-mahyt], /daɪˈæt əˌmaɪt/, kieselguhr.
Words Nearby diatomaceous earth
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use diatomaceous earth in a sentence
diatomaceous earth is made up of remains of minute aquatic plants.
The Economic Aspect of Geology | C. K. Leith
British Dictionary definitions for diatomaceous earth
diatomaceous earth
noun
an unconsolidated form of diatomite: Also called: kieselguhr
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
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