microfossil

/ˈmaɪˌkɹoʊˈfɑsəɫ/ noun

A microscopic fossil.

Word Origin A microfossil is a fossil so small you need a microscope to see it. 'Fossil' comes from Latin 'fossilis,' meaning 'dug up,' from 'fodere' (to dig). So a fossil is literally something unearthed. Add 'micro-' from Greek 'mikros' (small) and you get a tiny unearthed treasure. The same 'micro-' gives us 'microscope,' 'microbe,' and 'microwave,' while 'fossil' connects to 'fossorial' (digging) animals.

noun A microscopic fossil. countable

The geologist discovered a microfossil of a prehistoric plankton in the sedimentary rock.

(名词) 微体化石

地质学家在沉积岩中发现了一个史前浮游生物的微体化石。

(sustantivo) microfósil [Un fósil microscópico.]

El geólogo descubrió un microfósil de un plancton prehistórico en la roca sedimentaria.

(nom) microfossile [Fossile microscopique.]

Le géologue a découvert un microfossile de plancton préhistorique dans la roche sédimentaire.

(Substantiv) Mikrofossil [Ein mikroskopisch kleines Fossil.]

Der Geologe entdeckte ein **Microfossil** eines prähistorischen Planktons im Sedimentgestein.

(名詞) 顕微鏡でしか見ることができないほど小さな化石。

地質学者は堆積岩から先史時代のプランクトンの微化石を発見した。

(substantivo) microfóssil [Um fóssil microscópico.]

O geólogo descobriu um microfóssil de um plâncton pré-histórico na rocha sedimentar.

Word parts: micro + fossil

Related words

Get offline access, pronunciation, spaced repetition, and learning games:

Download Syntaxiom →
📱 Offline access 🔊 Pronunciation 🧠 Spaced repetition 📖 Native language bridges