gastrolith
/ˈɡæstroʊlɪθ/
noun
- A small stone swallowed by some animals (such as birds, reptiles, or dinosaurs) to help grind food in the stomach.
- Chickens often eat small gastroliths to aid their digestion.
- Scientists find gastroliths near dinosaur fossils and use them to learn about ancient diets.
- Some dinosaurs swallowed gastroliths to help break down tough plants.