vermiculite

noun

ver·​mic·​u·​lite (ˌ)vər-ˈmi-kyə-ˌlīt 

: any of various micaceous minerals that are hydrous silicates resulting usually from expansion of the granules of mica at high temperatures to give a lightweight highly water-absorbent material

Examples of vermiculite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Potting mix typically contains a combination of peat moss or coconut coir to hold moisture, perlite for drainage, and smaller amounts of components like sphagnum moss, bark, vermiculite, compost, and minerals. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026

Indoors Seeds will need proper moisture for successful stratification, so Phillips recommends placing them in damp vermiculite or sand or within wet paper towels, then putting them in the fridge. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026

Ryan amps up the mixture with even more perlite, along with some vermiculite, which is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated and is widely used to improve soil moisture retention and aeration. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026

If this is the case expect a number of tubers to have formed and gather them to store in dry peat moss or vermiculite. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin vermiculus "insect larva, grub" (from vermis "worm" + -culus, diminutive suffix) + -ite entry 1 — more at worm entry 1; so called from the worm-like forms taken by such minerals when heated by a blowpipe

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vermiculite

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

Kids Definition

vermiculite

noun

ver·​mic·​u·​lite (ˌ)vər-ˈmik-yə-ˌlīt 

: any of various minerals that result usually from the expansion of small grains of mica at high temperatures to give a lightweight highly water-absorbent material