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diatom
[ dahy-uh-tuhm, -tom ]
noun
- any of numerous microscopic, unicellular, marine or freshwater algae of the phylum Chrysophyta, having cell walls containing silica.
diatom
/ -ˌtɒm; ˈdaɪətəm /
noun
- any microscopic unicellular alga of the phylum Bacillariophyta , occurring in marine or fresh water singly or in colonies, each cell having a cell wall made of two halves and impregnated with silica See also diatomite
diatom
/ dī′ə-tŏm′ /
- Any of various one-celled aquatic organisms of the class Bacillariophyceae that have hard bivalve shells (called frustules) composed mostly of silica, can perform photosynthesis, and often live in colonies. They make up a large portion of the marine plankton and are an important food source for many aquatic animals. The skeletal remains of diatoms are the main constituent of diatomite.
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of diatom1
C19: from New Latin Diatoma (genus name), from Greek diatomos cut in two, from diatemnein to cut through, from dia- + temnein to cut
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Example Sentences
The size of the diatom, the amount of gelatine, and several other factors, will enter into the question of success or failure.
From Project Gutenberg
It is necessary to avoid any air current which will cause the diatom to fall from the thread.
From Project Gutenberg
Thus Pseudocerataulus Kinkeri is a diatom which cannot possibly be seen without the use of a microscope.
From Project Gutenberg
In fact, the two pass without any sharp boundary into each other, and both present transitions to the Diatom ooze.
From Project Gutenberg
The diatom itself may be washed in the same way, if it is not too small.
From Project Gutenberg
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