graptolite

noun

grap·to·lite | \ 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

Examples of graptolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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 example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'graptolite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.