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

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

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

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