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vermiculite in British English
(vɜːˈmɪkjʊˌlaɪt)
noun
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
Word origin
C19: from vermicul(ar) + -ite1vermiculite in American English
(vərˈmɪkjəˌlaɪt)
US
noun
any of a number of very soft, monoclinic, hydrous silicate minerals resulting usually from alterations of mica and occurring in tiny, leafy scales that expand greatly when heated: used for insulation, water adsorption, etc.
Word origin
< L vermiculus, dim. of vermis, worm + -ite1Image ofvermiculite
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