diatomaceous

American  

[dahy-uh-tuh-mey-shuhs] / ˌdaɪ ə təˈmeɪ ʃəs /

adjective

1. consisting of or containing diatoms or their fossil remains.

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diatomaceous British  

/ ˌdaɪətəˈmeɪʃəs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, consisting of, or containing diatoms or their fossil remains

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Etymology

Origin of diatomaceous

1840–50; < New Latin Diatomace ( ae ) an order name ( diatom, -aceae ) + -ous

Example Sentences

Mixed with diatomaceous earth, a fine powder of algae fossils often used by gardeners, the coarse gray stuff makes a decent substitute for the density and texture of Mars’ dirt.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2022

It suggests diatomaceous earth and commercial rust remover, blended to the consistency of peanut butter.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2022

Fones Cliffs, an unusual outcropping of white diatomaceous earth, is on the east side of the river in Richmond County on the Northern Neck of Virginia.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2022

Another option is to plant pest-resistant varieties or make plants unpalatable for hungry insects with natural products such as diatomaceous earth, a talc-like powder made of the ground-up diatomic fossils.

From Salon • Aug. 8, 2021

We made up a song about diatomaceous earth while we were driving in to the post office today, just because we thought it sounded funny.

From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones