coccolith
coccolith · coccoliths
A microscopic skeletal plate of calcite on the surface of certain marine phytoplanktonA microscopic skeletal plate of calcite on the surface of certain marine phytoplankton; it forms chalk and limestone when fossilized
Meaning
1 sensesA microscopic skeletal plate of calcite on the surface of certain marine phytoplankton; it forms chalk and limestone when fossilized
Origin
Derived from coccolithophore. By surface analysis, Ancient Greek κόκκος (kókkos, “grain, sDerived from coccolithophore. By surface analysis, Ancient Greek κόκκος (kókkos, “grain, seed”) + Ancient Greek λίθος (líthos, “stone”), due to the shape of the organism's exoskeleton.
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Forms
plural: coccoliths| Singular | coccolith |
|---|---|
| Plural | coccoliths |
regular