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
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
Opt for food-grade diatomaceous earth (found online or occasionally at hardware stores), as conventional diatomaceous earth can irritate lungs and could be harmful to pets.
—Brie Dyas, Country Living, 12 June 2020
Three main types of pool filters are available: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
—Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2023
There are three types of filters that home pools can include: sand, diatomaceous earth, and cartridge.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2023
The diatomaceous earth cuts back on the gnats being able to lay eggs on the soil surface.
—oregonlive, 26 Feb. 2023
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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
Opt for food-grade diatomaceous earth (found online or occasionally at hardware stores), as conventional diatomaceous earth can irritate lungs and could be harmful to pets.
—Brie Dyas, Country Living, 12 June 2020
Three main types of pool filters are available: cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
—Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2023
There are three types of filters that home pools can include: sand, diatomaceous earth, and cartridge.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2023
The diatomaceous earth cuts back on the gnats being able to lay eggs on the soil surface.
—oregonlive, 26 Feb. 2023
See More
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 22 Sep. 2023.
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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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