frustule

[ fruhs-chool ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the siliceous cell wall of a diatom.

frustule

/ ˈfrʌstjuːl /

noun

1. botany the hard siliceous cell wall of a diatom

frustule

/ frŭs′cho̅o̅l /

1. The silica-rich cell wall of a diatom. Frustules are divided into two halves, and the intricate patterns of depressions and projections on each half help to identify individual diatom species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustule¹

1855–60; < French < Late Latin frustulum, diminutive of frustum frustum

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustule¹

C19: from French, from Late Latin frustulum a small piece, from frustum a bit

Example Sentences

Diatoms are encased within a hard cell wall made from silica, which is known as a frustule and is composed of two halves.

From The Guardian

Frustule, frus′tūl, n. the siliceous two-valved shell of a diatom, with its contents.

From Project Gutenberg

A new siliceous valve is secreted by each of the two masses on the side opposite to the original valve, the new valves being situated within the girdle of the original frustule.

From Project Gutenberg

When this process has been completed the girdle of the mother frustule gives way, and two distinct frustules are formed, the siliceous valves in each of these new frustules being one of the valves of the mother-cell, and a newly formed valve similar and more or less parallel to it.

From Project Gutenberg

They may be entirely free, or cohere in aggregations, or be attached to a supporting surface by a slender stalk, which may ramify and bear a little siliceous case or "frustule" at the end of each branch.

From Project Gutenberg