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

Pentas root easily in trays or pots of coarse vermiculite available at many garden centers. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2025

How does vermiculite provide both air and moisture? —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025

Lightly dust the seeds with a seed-starting mix or vermiculite, add a humidity dome or clear plastic cover over the seedlings, and then move the seeds to a warm spot. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025

To enable to soil to hold moisture for a longer period of time, add some vermiculite. —Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for vermiculite

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

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