Acrite

/ˈækraɪt/ noun

Definition

A small, tooth-like fossil structure found in ancient marine deposits, whose biological origin remains uncertain.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'kritos' (distinguished) combined with '-ite' (stone/fossil suffix), named because these mysterious objects were difficult to classify among known fossils.

Kelly Says

Acrites are Paleozoic fossils so bizarre that paleontologists still argue about what created them—they might be teeth, spines, or the remains of completely extinct body plans we'll never fully understand.

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