macrofossil

noun

mac·​ro·​fos·​sil ˈma-krō-ˌfä-səl How to pronounce macrofossil (audio)
: a fossil large enough to be observed by direct inspection

Examples of macrofossil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Scientists are hunting through macrofossils, leaf wax, mineral types, noble gases, and much more to answer questions about what Greenland’s ancient landscape looked like when it was last exposed. Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, 29 Oct. 2019 Using a combination of ancient DNA, plant macrofossils, and pollen, his team reconstructed the diet of four moa species. Jacob Mikanowski, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2017

Word History

Etymology

macro- + fossil entry 2

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macrofossil was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near macrofossil

Cite this Entry

“Macrofossil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macrofossil. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!