vermiculite
[ ver-mik-yuh-lahyt ]
/ vərˈmɪk yəˌlaɪt /
noun
any of a group of platy minerals, hydrous silicates of aluminum, magnesium, and iron, that expand markedly on being heated: used in the expanded state for heat insulation and as a plant growth medium.
Origin of vermiculite
An Americanism dating back to 1815–25;
vermicul(ar) +
-ite1
Words nearby vermiculite
British Dictionary definitions for vermiculite
vermiculite
/ (vɜːˈmɪkjʊˌlaɪt) /
noun
any of a group of micaceous minerals consisting mainly of hydrated silicate of magnesium, aluminium, and iron: on heating they expand and exfoliate and in this form are used in heat and sound insulation, fireproofing, and as a bedding medium for young plants
Word Origin for vermiculite
C19: from
vermicul (
ar) +
-ite
1