diatomite

/ daɪˈætəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. a soft very fine-grained whitish rock consisting of the siliceous remains of diatoms deposited in the ocean or in ponds or lakes. It is used as an absorbent, filtering medium, insulator, filler, etc See also diatomaceous earth

diatomite

/ dī-ăt′ə-mīt′ /

1. A fine, light-colored, friable sedimentary rock consisting mainly of the silica-rich cell walls of diatoms. Diatomite forms both in lacustrine and marine environments. It is used in industry as a filler, filtering agent, absorbent, abrasive, and insulator.

Example Sentences

The bluish pellets of diatomite soaked in hydrocyanic acid were poured through chutes.

From The Daily Beast

Diatomite is principally used for the manufacture of dynamite on account of its value as an absorbent.

From Project Gutenberg