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

To store for future blooming, place the pot in a cool dry place until fall planting time or allow bulbs to go completely dormant by removing them from soil and placing them in a paper or mesh bag full of coconut fiber and vermiculite. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 9 May 2024

Some vermiculite can contain a natural type of asbestos, although the EPA says the risk is minimal. —Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2023

Attorneys for the plaintiffs say the railroad failed to contain dust from the vermiculite, allowing asbestos to be blown around town without warning residents about its dangers. —Amy Beth Hanson and Matthew Brown, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

The plaintiffs argue the rail yard in downtown Libby — where Resch once played in piles of vermiculite — was used for storage and not just transportation, meaning the railroad is not exempt. —Matthew Brown, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2024

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

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