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Diatom

//ˈdaɪ.ə.təm// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Any of a group of minute unicellular algae having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, now categorized as class Diatomophyceae or division Bacillariophyta.

    "Diatoms are enclosed in two shells that fit together like a pillbox."

  2. 2
    A molecule composed of two atoms of the same element; a homonuclear diatomic molecule.

    "We show here, through a systematic study of the covalent chemical bond covering the entire periodic system, that the maximum bond multiplicity is six. The maximum value is reached by the tungsten diatom, W₂. No other pair of atoms in the periodic system (atomic numbers smaller than about 100) reaches a higher bond order."

  3. 3
    microscopic unicellular marine or freshwater colonial alga having cell walls impregnated with silica wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From (deprecated) genus name Diatoma, from Ancient Greek διάτομος (diátomos, “cut through, cut in half”).

Etymology 2

From di- + atom.

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