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stromatolite
[ stroh-mat-l-ahyt ]
/ stroʊˈmæt lˌaɪt /
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noun Geology.
a layered, calcareous living fossil formed by cyanobacteria and believed to be responsible for building up the content of the primeval earth’s oxygen levels, allowing life forms to emerge and evolve.
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Origin of stromatolite
OTHER WORDS FROM stromatolite
stro·mat·o·lit·ic [stroh-mat-l-it-ik], /stroʊˌmæt lˈɪt ɪk/, adjectiveWords nearby stromatolite
stroll, stroller, stroma, stromateid, stromateoid, stromatolite, Stromboli, Strombolian, stromuhr, strong, strong accumulation point
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
British Dictionary definitions for stromatolite
stromatolite
/ (strəʊˈmætəˌlaɪt) /
noun
a rocky mass consisting of layers of calcareous material and sediment formed by the prolific growth of cyanobacteria: such structures date back to Precambrian times
Derived forms of stromatolite
stromatolitic (strəʊˌmætəˈlɪtɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for stromatolite
C20: from Greek, from strōma covering + -lite
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for stromatolite
stromatolite
[ strō-măt′l-īt′ ]
A dome-shaped structure consisting of alternating layers of carbonate or silicate sediment and fossilized algal mats. Stromatolites are produced over geologic time by the trapping, binding, or precipitating of sediment by groups of microorganisms, primarily cyanobacteria. They are widely distributed in the fossil record and contain some of the oldest recorded forms of life, from over three billion years ago. They continue to form today especially in western Australia.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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