Pronunciation: [bˈakjʊlˌa͡ɪt] (IPA) 
Baculite is a fossil ammonite genus. Its name comes from the Greek word "bakulon" which means "staff" or "rod". In IPA phonetic transcription, Baculite is pronounced as /ˈbækjʊlaɪt/. The "c" in Baculite is pronounced as /k/ because it follows the letter "u" which creates a hard "c" sound. The "i" after "l" is pronounced as /aɪ/ because it is the letter "i" in the unstressed -ite ending which is pronounced as /aɪt/.
Baculite is a term used in paleontology to refer to a genus of extinct marine cephalopods that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 65 to 70 million years ago. These cephalopods belonged to the family Baculitidae, which is part of a larger group known as ammonoids.
Baculites had a straight, elongated, conical shell that resembled a long tapering rod or walking stick, hence the name "baculite," which is derived from the Latin word baculum, meaning "stick" or "staff". The shell was divided into chambers, with the innermost chamber being the living chamber and the outermost chamber being the aperture, or opening. The shell was typically adorned with fine ribbing, and some species had characteristic fluting or keels running along their shells.
These marine animals were predators and likely occupied a similar ecological niche as their relatives, the modern-day nautilus. Baculites used their tentacles equipped with suction cups to catch and consume small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates.
Baculites were abundant in the ancient oceans and played a significant role in the marine ecosystems during their time. They are now important fossils used by paleontologists to study and understand the ancient marine environments in which they once lived.
Today, the shells of baculites can be found preserved in various sedimentary rocks around the world, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary history and biodiversity of the ancient seas.
A fossil shell of the chalk epoch, straight, many chambered, and conical-prevails in the chalk of Normandy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Baculite" has its etymology from the Latin word "baculus", meaning "staff" or "walking stick". It is derived from the Greek word "bakulos", having the same meaning. This term was used to describe the shape and appearance of a fossilized ammonite shell, which resembles a curved staff or walking stick.
