coccolith
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English
Etymology 1
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
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
Etymology 2
From Ancient Greek κόκκος (kókkos, “kernel”) + -lith.
Noun
coccolith (plural coccoliths)
- (mineralogy) Alternative form of coccolite (“diopside”)