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vermiculite

ver·mic·u·lite [ vər míkyə lt ]


noun 
Definition:
 
compound used in growing plants: a hydrous silicate of aluminum, magnesium, or iron. Source: altered basic rocks. Use: insulation, lubricant, growing medium in horticulture.

[Early 19th century. < Latin vermiculus "little worm" (see vermicular), because of the way flakes of it expand and writhe in long shapes when heated]
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