diatom
noun
di·a·tom
ˈdī-ə-ˌtäm 
: any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomaceous earth
Examples of diatom in a Sentence
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Beyond its scientific significance, the new diatom also carries potential future economic value as an important feed source for aquatic life.
—
Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2026
Researchers from the College of Fisheries and Life Science at Shanghai Ocean University have identified a new species of diatom, a form of microscopic algae, in the canals of this vast island sitting at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
The species, a diatom named Tryblionella chongmingensis, was formally described in findings published in the botanical journal Phytotaxa in March 2026.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made from fossilized diatoms, tiny organisms found in water.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026
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Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2026
Researchers from the College of Fisheries and Life Science at Shanghai Ocean University have identified a new species of diatom, a form of microscopic algae, in the canals of this vast island sitting at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
The species, a diatom named Tryblionella chongmingensis, was formally described in findings published in the botanical journal Phytotaxa in March 2026.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2026
Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made from fossilized diatoms, tiny organisms found in water.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for diatom
Cite this Entry
“Diatom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diatom. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
diatom
noun
di·a·tom
ˈdī-ə-ˌtäm
: any of a class of minute floating single-celled or colonial algae that are common in fresh and salt water and have a cell wall of silica that remains as a skeleton after death
diatomaceous
adjective
ˌdī-ət-ə-ˈmā-shəs
Medical Definition
diatom
noun
di·a·tom
ˈdī-ə-ˌtäm
: any of a group (Diatomeae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomite
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