First Known Use: 1845
Dictionary
diatom
noun di·a·tom \ˈdī-ə-ˌtäm\
Definition of DIATOM
: any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomaceous earth
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Origin of DIATOM
ultimately from Greek diatomos cut in half, from diatemnein to cut through, from dia- + temnein to cut — more at tome
Rhymes with DIATOM
Medical Dictionary
diatom
noun di·a·tom \ˈdī-ə-ˌtäm\
Medical Definition of DIATOM
: any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomite
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