diatom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diatom” mean?
A microscopic single-celled alga that has a cell wall made of silica (glass).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A microscopic single-celled alga that has a cell wall made of silica (glass).
Refers to any member of the large class of algae (Bacillariophyceae) found in oceans, freshwater, and damp soils, characterized by their intricate and symmetrical silica shells, which are important producers in aquatic food chains and form fossil deposits known as diatomite.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciations may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse; used almost exclusively in scientific/technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “diatom” in a Sentence
[diatom] + [verb: blooms, forms, lives, produces][study/observe/identify] + [a/the diatom][a bloom/population] + [of diatoms]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diatom” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diatomaceous filter is highly effective.
- Diatom assemblages were studied.
American English
- The diatomaceous earth is used in pool filters.
- Diatom populations were analyzed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in specific industries related to filtration (diatomaceous earth) or aquaculture.
Academic
Common in biology, oceanography, geology, and environmental science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in high-level popular science documentaries or articles.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely to describe a specific class of organisms in research, monitoring, and industrial applications (e.g., water quality assessment).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diatom”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diatom”
- Mispronunciation as '/diː.ə.təm/' (like 'diabetes').
- Confusing diatoms (algae) with radiolarians or foraminifera (which are protists with silica/calcium shells).
- Using as a general term for all phytoplankton.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither. They are protists, specifically a type of algae. They perform photosynthesis like plants but are not classified in the plant kingdom.
Almost anywhere there is water: oceans, rivers, lakes, damp soils, and even on moist surfaces. They are a key part of plankton.
They produce a significant portion of the Earth's oxygen, form the base of many aquatic food webs, and their fossil shells are used in filters, abrasives, and for studying past climates.
It is the scientific term for the diatom's hard, porous silica cell wall, which consists of two halves that fit together like a box and lid.
A microscopic single-celled alga that has a cell wall made of silica (glass).
Diatom is usually technical/scientific in register.
Diatom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.ə.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.ə.t̬əm/ / ˈdaɪ.ə.tɑːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny, glass (silica) ATOM with a DIAmond-like patterned shell. DIAtom = DIAmond + ATOM (for its tiny, intricate structure).
Conceptual Metaphor
Conceptualized as a 'JEWEL BOX' or 'SILICA ARMOUR' due to its beautiful, protective glass shell.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary structural component of a diatom's cell wall?