graptolite

grap·to·lite

noun \ˈgrap-tə-ˌlīt\

Definition of GRAPTOLITE

: any of an extinct class (Graptolithina) of hemichordate colonial marine animals of the Paleozoic era with zooids contained in conical cups along a chitinous support

Origin of GRAPTOLITE

Greek graptos painted (from graphein to write, paint) + English -lite — more at carve

First Known Use: 1841