perlite

or pearl·ite

[ pur-lahyt ]

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.

perlite

/ pɜːˈlɪtɪk; ˈpɜːlaɪt /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• perlitic, adjective

Other Words From

• per·lit·ic [pur-, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perlite¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of perlite¹

C19: from French, from perle pearl ¹

Example Sentences

Volcanic rock like perlite and pumice keep the soil from packing together.

From Popular-Science

"He ain't jest what you'd call perlite," thought Mr. Klegg, as he meditatively chewed for a little while longer.

From Project Gutenberg

Yit I'll not deny that it's easy to be perlite to old Uncle Prince, bekaze he's mighty perlite hisself.

From Project Gutenberg

Much obleeged to him for being so perlite in showing me round.

From Project Gutenberg

And he had been "so perlite as to ask me how was Grandmother Gano."

From Project Gutenberg

But this un isn't thet koind of a man, an' he's so moighty perlite about it Oi jist cud n't sind the loikes of him away.

From Project Gutenberg