Foraminiferous

/ˌfɔrəmɪˈnɪf(ə)rəs/ adjective

Definition

Containing or full of foraminifera, especially describing rocks or sediments rich in their shells.

Etymology

Latin foramen (hole) + -fer (bearing) + -ous (full of). This adjective form developed as geologists needed to describe sedimentary rocks composed largely of foraminiferal remains.

Kelly Says

The famous white cliffs of Dover are foraminiferous chalk—basically trillions of tiny foraminiferal shells compressed over 80 million years, which is why they're so bright white and crumbly!

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