diatomaceous earth
Crushed ancient algae
Diatomaceous earth is a powdery substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms—microscopic aquatic organisms with silica shells.
It has abrasive and absorbent properties that make it useful as a filtration medium, mild abrasive in polishes, and pest control agent: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the baseboards to kill ants.
The powder damages insects' exoskeletons, causing dehydration.
Silicon dioxide compound
- microfossilsMinute preserved organism remains
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- phytoplanktonPhotosynthetic aquatic drifters
- biogenicProduced by organisms
siliceous · Cretaceous · sediment · paleontology · ocean floor · porous rock · volcanic lakes · single-celled
Containing or resembling quartz
- chalkyPale and dusty-textured
- white powderPale fine substance
- dustFine settled particles
- particulateTiny suspended matter
fine powder · floury · absorbent · calcium silicate · off-white · calcined
Toxic agent targeting pests
- pest controlManaging unwanted organisms
- organic gardeningFarming without artificial additives
- bed bugsBlood-feeding mattress insects
- antsSocial colony insects
fleas · cockroaches · non-toxic · desiccant · exoskeleton · garden pest · natural pesticide · aphids
Smooth by rubbing
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
- scrubClean by rubbing hard
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
- silver polishCleaning compound for metalware
metal polish · exfoliant · rust removal · surface cleaner · fine grit
Artificial basins for aquatics
- water treatmentCleaning supply for consumption
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
- brewingBeverage preparation process
winemaking · aquariums · pool filter · water clarity · microporous · flow rate · perlite
silica
Silicon dioxide compound
- microfossilsMinute preserved organism remains
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- phytoplanktonPhotosynthetic aquatic drifters
biogenic · siliceous · Cretaceous · sediment · paleontology · ocean floor · porous rock · volcanic lakes · single-celled
siliceous
Containing or resembling quartz
- chalkyPale and dusty-textured
- white powderPale fine substance
- dustFine settled particles
fine powder · particulate · floury · absorbent · calcium silicate · off-white · calcined
insecticide
Toxic agent targeting pests
- pest controlManaging unwanted organisms
- organic gardeningFarming without artificial additives
- bed bugsBlood-feeding mattress insects
ants · fleas · cockroaches · non-toxic · desiccant · exoskeleton · garden pest · natural pesticide · aphids · food-grade
polish
Smooth by rubbing
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
- scrubClean by rubbing hard
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
metal polish · silver polish · exfoliant · rust removal · surface cleaner · fine grit
swimming pools
Artificial basins for aquatics
- water treatmentCleaning supply for consumption
- clarificationMaking meaning plain
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
brewing · winemaking · aquariums · pool filter · water clarity · microporous · flow rate · perlite
diatomaceous earthorganophosphate
Phosphorus compound, often toxic
DDT · neonicotinoid · fumigant