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

Under persisent rains, the perlite soaked up water and gained weight, resulting in the roof collapse, state media said.

From Reuters • Jul. 24, 2023

Some varieties of tropical houseplants may need to be started with a soil substrate as well, and options include perlite and sphagnum moss.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2022

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

Look for fluffy blends with composted bark, perlite and sphagnum moss.

From Washington Post • Nov. 17, 2021

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

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker