diatom

200 pxA view of diatoms through the microscope.

Meaning

Noun

  • 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.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.