The Collaborative International Dictionary
Infusorial \In`fu*so"ri*al\, a. (Zo["o]l.) Belonging to the Infusoria; composed of, or containing, Infusoria; as, infusorial earth.
Infusorial earth (Geol.), a deposit of fine, usually white, siliceous material, composed mainly of the shells of the microscopic plants called diatoms; also called diatomaceous earth, kieselguhr, and diatomite. It is used in polishing powder, and in the manufacture of dynamite.
diatomaceous earth \di`a*to*ma"ceous earth`\ (Geol.), a deposit of fine, usually white, siliceous material, composed mainly of the shells of the microscopic plants called diatoms; also called infusorial earth, kieselguhr, and diatomite. It is used in polishing powder, and in the manufacture of dynamite.
Wiktionary
n. A light soil consisting of siliceous diatom remains and often used as a filtering material or microabrasive.
WordNet
n. a light soil consisting of siliceous diatom remains and often used as a filtering material [syn: diatomite, kieselguhr]
Wikipedia
Diatomaceous earth , also known as D.E., diatomite, or kieselgur/kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 micrometres to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres. Depending on the granularity, this powder can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and has a low density as a result of its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven-dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive in products including metal polishes and toothpaste, mechanical insecticide, absorbent for liquids, matting agent for coatings, reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber, anti-block in plastic films, porous support for chemical catalysts, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, a stabilizing component of dynamite, and a thermal insulator.
Usage examples of "diatomaceous earth".
Afterwards he spread diatomaceous earth around (see Tactics of Tiny Game Hunting) to kill any returning to the colony from the field.
After the third wash the refined bio-diesel is filtered through diatomaceous earth filters and placed in storage containers for sale.
The glass wool and diatomaceous earth and other goodies in the filter (the report had a long list) grew radioactive themselves after a while.
A more modern safe might rely on vermiculite mica or diatomaceous earth, particles of which can often be traced back from a burglary suspect's tools and clothing to the specific safe manufacturer.