infusorial earth

noun

in·fu·so·ri·al earth ˈin-fyü-ˈzȯr-ē-əl-

-ˈsȯr-

: kieselguhr

Word History

Etymology

infusorial "relating to or containing infusorians," from New Latin Infusoria "group of minute organisms found in infusions of decaying matter" + -al entry 1 — more at infusorian

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of infusorial earth was in 1868

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Infusorial earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infusorial%20earth. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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