coccolith
English edit
Etymology 1 edit
Derived 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.
Noun edit
coccolith (plural coccoliths)
- (biology) A microscopic skeletal plate of calcite on the surface of certain marine phytoplankton; it forms chalk and limestone when fossilized
Derived terms edit
Etymology 2 edit
Ancient Greek [Term?] (“berry”) + -lith
Noun edit
coccolith (plural coccoliths)
- (mineralogy) Alternative form of coccolite (“diopside”)