coprolite

noun

cop·​ro·​lite ˈkä-prə-ˌlīt How to pronounce coprolite (audio)
: fossilized excrement
coprolitic adjective

Examples of coprolite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the herbivores, however, especially in long-neck sauropods, their coprolites contained lots of tree ferns and charcoal. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024 Since 2015, Frandsen has held the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of coprolites. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024 The coprolites contained bits of fish, insects, plants and other animals. Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024 For example, the team found that the contents of coprolites from the first large herbivorous dinosaurs, the sauropodomorphs, contained large quantities of tree ferns but also many other types of plants and charcoal. Katie Hunt, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coprolite 

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coprolite was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near coprolite

Cite this Entry

“Coprolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coprolite. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on coprolite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!