DIATOM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does diatom mean? 

• DIATOM (noun)
  The noun DIATOM has 1 sense:

1. microscopic unicellular marine or freshwater colonial alga having cell walls impregnated with silica

  Familiarity information: DIATOM used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DIATOM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Microscopic unicellular marine or freshwater colonial alga having cell walls impregnated with silica

Classified under:

Nouns denoting animals

Hypernyms ("diatom" is a kind of...):

phytoplankton (photosynthetic or plant constituent of plankton; mainly unicellular algae)

alga; algae (primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves)

Holonyms ("diatom" is a member of...):

Bacillariophyceae; class Bacillariophyceae; class Diatomophyceae; Diatomophyceae (marine and freshwater eukaryotic algae: diatoms)

 Context examples 

Scientists have discovered how diatoms –- algae that produce 20% of the Earth's oxygen –- harness solar energy for photosynthesis.

(Scientists discover key factors in how some algae harness solar energy, National Science Foundation)

Since the Victorian era, diatoms have been known as the "glass houses of the sea" because of their beautiful cell walls made of silicon dioxide, or glass.

(Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans, National Science Foundation)

Diatoms are one of the most abundant, widely distributed primary producers in the ocean.

(Diatom, NOAA Paleoclimate Glossary)

Silicon is essential for diatom growth, but since glass is heavy, diatoms sink to the deep ocean when they die.

(Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans, National Science Foundation)

Diatoms are among the most successful species of algae.

(Scientists discover key factors in how some algae harness solar energy, National Science Foundation)

Different species of diatoms living in ocean and lakes have affinities for different environmental conditions such as alkalinity, available nutrients, salinity and acidity.

(Diatom, NOAA Paleoclimate Glossary)

This new research revealed that environmental conditions can accelerate diatom mortality from viral infection.

(Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans, National Science Foundation)

The researchers used a 3D bioimaging tool to reveal the architecture of the proteins diatoms use to absorb sunlight and power their photosynthesis.

(Scientists discover key factors in how some algae harness solar energy, National Science Foundation)

Diatoms are single-celled algae that generate about 20% of the Earth’s oxygen.

(Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans, National Science Foundation)

Scientists have confirmed that viruses can kill marine algae called diatoms, but diatom die-offs near the ocean surface may provide nutrients and organic matter for recycling by other algae.

(Algae-killing viruses spur nutrient recycling in oceans, National Science Foundation)