infusorial earth

noun

in·​fu·​so·​ri·​al earth ˈin-fyü-ˈzȯr-ē-əl- How to pronounce infusorial earth (audio)
-ˈsȯr-

Word History

Etymology

infusorial "relating to or containing infusorians," from New Latin Infusoria "group of minute organisms found in infusions of decaying matter" + -al entry 1 — more at infusorian

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of infusorial earth was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near infusorial earth

Cite this Entry

“Infusorial earth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infusorial%20earth. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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