Diatoma

noun

Di·​at·​o·​ma
dīˈatəmə
: a genus of freshwater diatoms (family Diatomaceae) that sometimes cause aromatic or disagreeable odors in water

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek diatomē, feminine of diatomos cut in half, from diatemnein to cut through, from dia- + temnein to cut

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Cite this Entry

“Diatoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Diatoma. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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