diatom noun. ['dʌɪǝtǝm] M19.
[mod. Latin Diatoma genus name, from Greek diatomos (adjective) cut in two, from diatemnein to cut through.]
A microscopic unicellular alga that has a rigid siliceous cell wall and occurs esp. as plankton and as a fossil in diatomaceous earth.

■ diatomaceous [-'meɪʃǝs] adjective (a) of or pertaining to diatoms; (b) consisting of or formed from the fossil remains of diatoms (

■ diatomaceous earth, a soft friable porous material used esp. for filters and insulation): M19.

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