macrofossil

noun

mac·​ro·​fos·​sil ˈma-krō-ˌfä-səl How to pronounce macrofossil (audio)
: a fossil large enough to be observed by direct inspection

Examples of macrofossil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Scientists are hunting through macrofossils, leaf wax, mineral types, noble gases, and much more to answer questions about what Greenland’s ancient landscape looked like when it was last exposed. Paul Voosen, Science | AAAS, 29 Oct. 2019 Using a combination of ancient DNA, plant macrofossils, and pollen, his team reconstructed the diet of four moa species. Jacob Mikanowski, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'macrofossil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

macro- + fossil entry 2

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macrofossil was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near macrofossil

Cite this Entry

“Macrofossil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macrofossil. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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