Diatom
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈdaɪ.ə.təm/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Diatom is a noun meaning (chemistry) A molecule composed of two atoms of the same element; a homonuclear diatomic molecule.
Meaning
(chemistry) A molecule composed of two atoms of the same element; a homonuclear diatomic molecule.
More Meanings
- Any of a group of minute unicellular algae having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, now categorized as class Diatomophyceae or division Bacillariophyta.
Example Sentences
Diatoms are enclosed in two shells that fit together like a pillbox.
Diatoms are characterized by a cell wall called a fistula made of silica, which usually has two overlapping sections.
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.
Word Forms
- diatoms
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include pennate, diatomaceous, ooze, biostratigraphy, frustules, bacillariophycean.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.