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Diatom: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฌ
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diatom

 

[ หˆdaษช.ษ™.tษ’m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological classification

Diatoms are a type of microscopic algae that are characterized by their unique cell walls made of silica. They are crucial to aquatic ecosystems and play a significant role in the Earth's carbon cycle. Found in both freshwater and marine environments, diatoms are known for their yellow-brown pigments, which enable them to perform photosynthesis. They form intricate and beautiful patterns, making them a topic of interest in both science and art. Diatoms contribute substantially to the productivity of oceans and are a primary food source for various marine life forms.

Synonyms

phytoplankton, siliceous alga.

Examples of usage

  • Diatoms are essential for the marine food web.
  • Researchers study diatoms to understand climate change effects.
  • Many diatoms are found in freshwater lakes.
  • The unique silica structure of diatoms provides insights into their ecological roles.

Translations

Translations of the word "diatom" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น diatomรกcea

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคพเคฏเคŸเฅ‹เคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Diatomee

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ diatom

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดั–ะฐั‚ะพะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ diatom

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ช่—ป (ใ‘ใ„ใใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท diatomรฉe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ diatomea

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท diatom

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ทœ์กฐ๋ฅ˜ (gyujoryu)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูŠู€ุงุชูˆู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ diatom

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ diatom

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ก…่—ป (guฤซzวŽo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ diatome

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kรญsilรญf

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะธะฐั‚ะพะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ˜แƒแƒขแƒแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ diatom

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ diatomea

Etymology

The term 'diatom' originates from the Greek word 'diatomos', which means 'cut in two', referring to the characteristic two-part silica cell walls that make up their structure. The study of diatoms has been crucial in paleontology and environmental monitoring due to their fossilized remains and sensitivity to environmental changes. Since their identification in the mid-19th century, diatoms have garnered attention not only for their ecological importance but also for their beauty, inspiring various fields such as art and design. Diatoms are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of algae, with thousands of species identified, illustrating the remarkable evolutionary adaptations they have undergone. Their significant contributions to biogeochemical cycles highlight their essential role in both historical and contemporary ecological studies.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,990, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.