diatomaceous
Adjective: Relating to or consisting of diatoms, which are microscopic single-celled algae with silica cell walls. "Diatomaceous" specifically describes materials, especially earth or soil, that are composed primarily of the fossilized remains of diatoms.
- (A material made of diatom remains used for filtration.)
- (Sedimentary layers rich in diatom fossils.)
- (A natural insecticide derived from crushed diatom fossils.)
"diatomaceous earth": A naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that crumbles into a fine white powder. It is widely used in industrial filtration, as an abrasive, and as a natural pesticide.
- The brewery uses diatomaceous earth to clarify beer. (A filtration medium removing impurities.)
"diatomaceous ooze": A deep-sea sediment containing at least 30% diatom remains.
- Oceanic trenches often contain thick layers of diatomaceous ooze. (Marine sediment rich in diatom skeletons.)
Diatom (noun): A single-celled alga with a silica shell.
- Diatoms are a major source of oxygen in aquatic ecosystems. (Microscopic algae.)
Diatomite (noun): A light-colored sedimentary rock composed of diatom remains; also called diatomaceous earth.
- The quarry extracts diatomite for use in industrial filters. (A rock form of diatomaceous material.)
- Siliceous: containing silica (often used for diatomaceous materials).
- Fossiliferous: containing fossils (general term, but applicable to diatomaceous deposits).
(No common idioms directly use "diatomaceous," as it is a technical term.)