graptolite

noun

grap·​to·​lite ˈgrap-tə-ˌlīt How to pronounce graptolite (audio)
: 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

Examples of graptolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Planktonic graptolites, one branch of the family, were so abundant in the early Paleozoic period that their tiny fossils were used to help correlate ages of rocks, before vanishing 300 million years ago. Asher Elbein, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2023 Surrounding remains—fossils of tiny, extinct marine animals called graptolites and conodonts—served as biomarkers to help confirm when the early scorpions wandered the earth. Katie Camero, WSJ, 16 Jan. 2020 One of the most emblematic animals of the Ordovician Radiation is the now-extinct graptolite. Annalee Newitz, Ars Technica, 21 Nov. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'graptolite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of graptolite was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near graptolite

Cite this Entry

“Graptolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graptolite. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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