diatomaceous earth


noun

a fine siliceous earth composed chiefly of the cell walls of diatoms: used in filtration, as an abrasive, etc.
Also called di·at·o·mite [dahy-at-uh-mahyt] /daɪˈæt əˌmaɪt/, kieselguhr.

Origin of diatomaceous earth

First recorded in 1880–85

Words nearby diatomaceous earth

British Dictionary definitions for diatomaceous earth

diatomaceous earth

noun

an unconsolidated form of diatomite Also called: kieselguhr

Medical definitions for diatomaceous earth

diatomaceous earth
[ dī′ə-tə-māshəs, dī-ăt′ə- ]

n.

A powder made of the desiccated shells of diatoms, used as a filtering agent, adsorbent, and abrasive in many chemical operations.