graptolite
noun
grap·to·lite
ˈgrap-tə-ˌlīt 
: 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
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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.
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Graptolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/graptolite. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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