stromatolite

(strō matə līt′)

noun

a laminated, sedimentary rock structure formed primarily in Precambrian shallow pools by mats of sticky, blue-green algae, which trapped layers of silt, esp. of calcium carbonate: these wavy or round formations serve as evidence for dating the first life forms on earth and are still being produced today

Related Forms:

See stromatolite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A widely distributed sedimentary structure consisting of laminated carbonate or silicate rocks, produced over geologic time by the trapping, binding, or precipitating of sediment by groups of microorganisms, primarily cyanobacteria.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin strōma, strōmat-, covering; see stroma

Origin: + -lite

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Related Forms:

  • stro·matˌo·litˈic (-mătˌl-ĭtˈĭk) adjective

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