Diatomaceous
/ˌdaɪ.ə.təˈmeɪ.ʃəs/noun
Made of, containing, or relating to diatoms or the siliceous remains of diatoms.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek roots meaning “cut in half,” because diatoms were named for their beautifully split, symmetrical bodies under the microscope.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
diátomos
“cut in two; divided through”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
diatoma
“a diatom, from the idea of being divided”
19th Century
English
diatom
“a microscopic algae with a siliceous shell”
19th Century
English
diatomaceous
“pertaining to or composed of diatoms”
Modern English
English
diatomaceous
“made of or containing diatoms or their fossil remains”
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