vermiculite

UK:*UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/vɜːˈmɪkjʊˌlaɪt/US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling(vər mik′yə līt′)


WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
ver•mic•u•lite  (vər mik′yə līt′),USA pronunciation n. 
  1. Mineralogyany of a group of platy minerals, hydrous silicates of aluminum, magnesium, and iron, that expand markedly on being heated: used in the expanded state for heat insulation and as a plant growth medium.
  • vermicul(ar) + -ite1 1815–25, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
vermiculite / vɜːˈmɪkjʊˌlaɪt/
  1. any of a group of micaceous minerals consisting mainly of hydrated silicate of magnesium, aluminium, and iron: on heating they expand and exfoliate and in this form are used in heat and sound insulation, fireproofing, and as a bedding medium for young plants
Etymology: 19th Century: from vermicul( ar) + -ite1
'vermiculite' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
exfoliate

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