Definition of diatom
: any of a class (Bacillariophyceae) of minute planktonic unicellular or colonial algae with silicified skeletons that form diatomaceous earth
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Origin and Etymology of diatom
ultimately from Greek diatomos cut in half, from diatemnein to cut through, from dia- + temnein to cut — more at tome
First Known Use: 1845
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See words that rhyme with diatom Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about diatom
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