diatom

Definition

Any of a group of minute unicellular algae having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, now categorized as class Diatomophyceae or division Bacillariophyta.

Etymology

From (deprecated) genus name Diatoma, from Ancient Greek διάτομος (diátomos, “cut through, cut in half”).

Example Sentences

• "Diatoms are enclosed in two shells that fit together like a pillbox."
• "Diatoms are characterized by a cell wall called a fistula made of silica, which usually has two overlapping sections."