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Definition of radiolarian

radiolarian

/ˌreɪdioʊˈlɛriən/
ra · di · o · lar · i · an
Plural:radiolarians
•
Adjective:radiolarian
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radiolarian Lexical Profile

radiolarian Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various microscopic, single-celled planktonic marine protozoans of the group Radiolaria, found throughout the world's oceans and characterized by intricate, radially symmetrical skeletons composed of silica.

Synonyms
View all synonyms for radiolarian

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or composed of the microscopic marine protozoans of the group Radiolaria or their siliceous skeletal remains.

Example

"Deep-sea core samples often contain thick layers of radiolarian ooze deposited over millions of years."

• Rhymes for radiolarian

• Nearby Words

radiogram
radiographer
radiography
radiolarian
radiologist
radiology
radioman

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century from Modern Latin Radiolaria, derived from Latin radiolus ('a little ray', diminutive of radius 'spoke, ray'), in reference to the radially symmetrical skeletal spines and pseudopodia.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Radiolarian. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/radiolarian
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