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

Each half of a frustule is called a valve, and the line at which these valves meet is called the suture.

From Project Gutenberg

In many cases I believe that each half-frustule becomes coated with a new entire cell-wall, with its siliceous valves.

From Project Gutenberg

Frustule cylindrical; zone with longitudinal rows of fine puncta.

From Project Gutenberg

Processes very large, cylindrical, placed obliquely and inclined by the torsion of the frustule.

From Project Gutenberg

Frustule broad, with rounded angles; septa curved; valve ovate, inferior apex produced.

From Project Gutenberg