frustule
/ˈfrʌstʃuːl/
noun
- The hard, silica-based cell wall or shell of a diatom (a type of microscopic algae), typically consisting of two overlapping halves.
- The frustule remains intact long after the diatom dies, preserving its shape in sediment.
- Scientists study the patterns on a frustule to identify different species of diatoms.
- Under the microscope, the diatom's frustule looked like a tiny glass box.
Synonyms