microfossil

[ mahy-kroh-fos-il ]

noun

1. a fossil so small that it can be studied and identified only with a microscope.

microfossil

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌfɒsəl /

noun

1. a fossil generally less than 0.5 millimetre in size, such as a protozoan, bacterium, or pollen grain

microfossil

/ mī′krō-fŏs′əl /

1. A microscopic fossil, as of a pollen grain or unicellular organism.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microfossil¹

First recorded in 1920–25; micro- + fossil

Example Sentences

A significant section of the paper is dedicated to the abundant microfossils found at the site, which include fish teeth, scales and bone fragments.

From Science Daily

This study has only worked on the planktonic foraminifera, however there are many other microfossil groups which have important roles in marine food webs which need to be studied.

From Science Daily

A dip in hydrofluoric acid dissolved the matrix rock, concentrating the precious microfossils which she then analyzed under the microscope.

From Science Daily

More work is required to determine if the microfossils were left behind by eukaryotic organisms, but the possibility would have significant implications, the scientists said.

From Science Daily

The new discovery will prompt a re-think on other early microfossils.

From Science Daily