Nummulitic is a word used to describe a type of rock or fossil formed by the shells of tiny marine organisms. The word is spelled with a "u" and "m" before the first "l" due to its Greek origin, where the letter "mu" (μ) is pronounced like a "m" and the letter "lambda" (λ) is pronounced like an "l." In IPA phonetic transcription, nummulitic is pronounced /nʌˈmjʊlɪtɪk/. This word is commonly used in geology and is important in understanding the Earth's history.
Nummulitic is an adjective that describes something relating to or characteristic of nummulites, which are a type of fossilized marine animals belonging to the group of foraminifera. Specifically, nummulitic refers to the presence or occurrence of nummulites in geological formations, such as rocks or sediments.
The term nummulitic is commonly used in the field of geology to describe formations that contain abundant quantities of nummulite fossils. These fossils are usually circular or disc-shaped, hence the name "nummulites," which is derived from the Latin word "nummulus" meaning "little coin." Nummulitic formations are often found in sandstones, limestone, and other sedimentary rocks that have undergone long and complex processes of deposition and lithification over millions of years.
In addition to their circular shape, nummulites typically possess a complex internal structure consisting of numerous chambers, which were inhabited by the living organisms. These fossils can provide valuable information about the ancient environments in which they formed, as well as insights into the geological history of the area. Nummulitic rocks and formations have been found in various parts of the world, including Egypt, India, and the Alps.
Overall, the term nummulitic pertains to the scientific study and identification of nummulites and their presence in geological formations. It is an important descriptor for geologists and paleontologists when analyzing and understanding ancient ecosystems and geological processes.
Pert. to.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "nummulitic" is derived from the Latin term "nummulus", meaning "a small coin". The term was first coined by the French naturalist Jean-Étienne Guettard in the 18th century to describe the characteristic shape of the fossilized remains of Nummulites, a genus of extinct marine protozoans commonly found in limestone formations. These fossilized organisms possess a distinctive discoid shape resembling small coins, hence the association with the Latin word "nummulus". Over time, the term "nummulitic" has been adopted by geologists to describe rocks, formations, or deposits containing or composed of these fossilized nummulites.