frustule

[ fruhs-chool ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Botany.

frustule

/ ˈfrʌstjuːl /

frustule

/ frŭs′cho̅o̅l /

The silica-rich cell wall of a diatom. Frustules are divided into two halves, and the intricate patterns of depressions and projections on each half help to identify individual diatom species.

1855–60; < French < Late Latin frustulum, diminutive of frustum frustum

C19: from French, from Late Latin frustulum a small piece, from frustum a bit

Each half of a frustule is called a valve, and the line at which these valves meet is called the suture.

In many cases I believe that each half-frustule becomes coated with a new entire cell-wall, with its siliceous valves.

Frustule cylindrical; zone with longitudinal rows of fine puncta.

Processes very large, cylindrical, placed obliquely and inclined by the torsion of the frustule.

Frustule broad, with rounded angles; septa curved; valve ovate, inferior apex produced.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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