index fossil
noun
: a fossil usually with a narrow time range and wide spatial distribution that is used in the identification of related geologic formations
Examples of index fossil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pappas reports that Agnostus is a great index fossil.
—
Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 19 Sep. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 19 Sep. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near index fossil
Cite this Entry
“Index fossil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/index%20fossil. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share