phytolite

noun

phy·​to·​lite
ˈfītəˌlīt
variants or phytolith
-ˌlith How to pronounce phytolite (audio)
plural -s
1
: a plant fossil
2
phytolith : a microscopic siliceous particle that forms in plant cells and is highly resistant to decomposition
ancient plant species revealed by soil phytoliths

Word History

Etymology

phyt- + -lite or -lith

First Known Use

circa 1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phytolite was circa 1895

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Dictionary Entries Near phytolite

phytolatry

phytolite

phytolith

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Phytolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytolite. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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