diatomaceous earth
noun
: a light friable siliceous material derived chiefly from diatom remains and used especially as a filter
Examples of diatomaceous earth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The microscopic particles of diatomaceous earth penetrate the exoskeleton of fleas, causing dehydration and ultimately leading to their demise.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Pool or food-grade diatomaceous earth, which consists of fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatomsiny.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2024
The specimens were retrieved from Cusco, Peru in 2017 in a layer of diatomaceous earth, or ancient phytoplankton algae, Maussan said.
—USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2024
Diatomaceous Earth Dusting an affected plants' leaves with diatomaceous earth, or DE for short, is a good way to dehydrate aphids and keep an aphid infestation in check.
—Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 28 July 2023
Made with natural ingredients such as diatomaceous earth and garlic, this supplement helps deter fleas, ticks, and mosquitos from biting your dog.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2023
Dust vegetable grade diatomaceous earth at base of plants (may not work as well as lettuce leaves usually touch the ground).
—oregonlive, 3 June 2023
Make a poultice by mixing an absorbent powder such as baking soda, diatomaceous earth or kaolin clay with water, or buy a premixed product such as Stone Care granite and stone stain remover ($8.48 for 10 ounces).
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 May 2023
There are three types of filters commonly used: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 29 Apr. 2023
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Pool or food-grade diatomaceous earth, which consists of fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatomsiny.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2024
The specimens were retrieved from Cusco, Peru in 2017 in a layer of diatomaceous earth, or ancient phytoplankton algae, Maussan said.
—USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2024
Diatomaceous Earth Dusting an affected plants' leaves with diatomaceous earth, or DE for short, is a good way to dehydrate aphids and keep an aphid infestation in check.
—Kate McGregor, House Beautiful, 28 July 2023
Made with natural ingredients such as diatomaceous earth and garlic, this supplement helps deter fleas, ticks, and mosquitos from biting your dog.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2023
Dust vegetable grade diatomaceous earth at base of plants (may not work as well as lettuce leaves usually touch the ground).
—oregonlive, 3 June 2023
Make a poultice by mixing an absorbent powder such as baking soda, diatomaceous earth or kaolin clay with water, or buy a premixed product such as Stone Care granite and stone stain remover ($8.48 for 10 ounces).
—Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 26 May 2023
There are three types of filters commonly used: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
—Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 29 Apr. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diatomaceous earth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of diatomaceous earth was
in 1883
Dictionary Entries Near diatomaceous earth
Cite this Entry
“Diatomaceous earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diatomaceous%20earth. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
diatomaceous earth
noun
: a light crumbly material that is made up mostly of the silica-containing skeletons of dead diatoms and is used especially as a filter
Medical Definition
diatomaceous earth
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on diatomaceous earth
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diatomaceous earth
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