perlite

American  

[pur-lahyt] / ˈpɜr laɪt /

Or pearlite

noun

Petrography.

1. a volcanic glass in which concentric fractures impart a distinctive structure resembling masses of small spheroids, used as a plant growth medium.

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perlite British  

/ pɜːˈlɪtɪk, ˈpɜːlaɪt /

noun

1. a variety of obsidian consisting of masses of small pearly globules: used as a filler, insulator, and soil conditioner

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Other Word Forms

• perlitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of perlite

From French, dating back to 1825–35; pearl, -ite ¹

Example Sentences

A preliminary investigation found that construction workers illegally placed perlite, a mineral with high water content, on the roof of the gymnasium during construction of a teaching building adjacent to the gymnasium, Xinhua reported.

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2023

He plants his in pots filled with a 60/40 mix of peat moss and perlite, because regular potting soil or even regular soil would be too rich and burn the roots.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2022

I soaked the anemones and ranunculus for four hours then pre-sprouted them in a mix of potting soil and perlite for 12 days.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2021

Of course, you don’t want to drown the plant either, a condition best avoided with a potting mix containing a quarter or more, by volume, of perlite, vermiculite or sand.

From Fox News • Dec. 7, 2021

And with that he lifts his ’at as perlite as a lord, and walks away.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker