radiolarian
/ˌreɪdioʊˈlɛriən/
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of radiolaria (single-celled ocean organisms with glass-like skeletons).
- The radiolarian fossils in this rock layer are millions of years old.
- She studied the radiolarian patterns under a scanning electron microscope.
- Radiolarian ooze covers large areas of the deep ocean floor.
noun
- A single organism belonging to the group radiolaria.
- The biologist identified the species of radiolarian by the shape of its shell.
- Under the microscope, a living radiolarian extends thin, sticky arms to catch food.
- Each radiolarian builds a unique mineral skeleton that can survive long after the cell dies.