Calciphile

/ˈkælsɪˌfaɪl/ noun

Definition

An organism that thrives in calcium-rich environments or has an affinity for calcium.

Etymology

From 'calci-' (calcium) + '-phile' (lover of, from Greek 'philia'). The -phile suffix creates words for things that prefer or love a specific environment or trait.

Kelly Says

Calciphiles include many sea creatures whose shells and skeletons are made of calcium carbonate—think of snails and coral, which are basically walking calcium compounds that evolved to love their mineral-rich homes.

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