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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
/ 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
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Example Sentences
These ecologically sensitive “salares” nourish cyanobacteria and diatom algae, which in turn are eaten by three types of flamingos, half of the world’s flamingo species.
You think of cathedrals falling into their basements after a brutal reformation, the dynamite containing, yes, diatoms—the silicate reliquiae of ocean microorganisms.
The size of the diatom, the amount of gelatine, and several other factors, will enter into the question of success or failure.
It is necessary to avoid any air current which will cause the diatom to fall from the thread.
Thus Pseudocerataulus Kinkeri is a diatom which cannot possibly be seen without the use of a microscope.
In fact, the two pass without any sharp boundary into each other, and both present transitions to the Diatom ooze.
The diatom itself may be washed in the same way, if it is not too small.
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