Any of a group of minute unicellular algae having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, now categorized as class Diatomophyceae (class) or division Bacillariophyta.
Origin
From (deprecated) genus name Diatoma, from Ancient Greek διάτομος ("cut through, cut in half").
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.