perlite

American  

[pur-lahyt] / ˈpɜr laɪt /

Or pearlite

noun

Petrography.

1. a volcanic glass in which concentric fractures impart a distinctive structure resembling masses of small spheroids, used as a plant growth medium.

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perlite British  

/ pɜːˈlɪtɪk, ˈpɜːlaɪt /

noun

1. a variety of obsidian consisting of masses of small pearly globules: used as a filler, insulator, and soil conditioner

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Other Word Forms

• perlitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of perlite

From French, dating back to 1825–35; pearl, -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Perlite is a sterile, neutral product obtained from volcanic rock.

From Seattle Times

Such blends are typically heavy on the bark and may contain ingredients like sponge rock, coarse perlite and charcoal.

From Seattle Times

An initial investigation said a construction crew working on a new administrative building next to the gym had stored bags of perlite used in plastering and internal finishing work on the roof that had grown heavy by absorbing water from the recent heavy rains striking much of the country, particularly the northwest.

From Seattle Times

Perlite, a form of volcanic glass, that was piled on the roof soaked up rain water, causing it to collapse at 15:00 local time Sunday, investigators say.

From BBC

Under persisent rains, the perlite soaked up water and gained weight, resulting in the roof collapse, state media said.

From Reuters