diatomaceous earth
noun
a fine siliceous earth composed chiefly of the cell walls of diatoms: used in filtration, as an abrasive, etc.
Origin of diatomaceous earth
First recorded in 1880–85
Words nearby diatomaceous earth
diathermic,
diathermy,
diathesis,
diatom,
diatomaceous,
diatomaceous earth,
diatomic,
diatomite,
diatonic,
diatonicism,
diatreme
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-mā′shəs, 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.