How Do You Spell OOLITE?

Pronunciation: [ˈuːla͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "Oolite" is spelled with two syllables, with the stress placed on the first syllable (/ˈuː.laɪt/). The word is spelled using the letter "O" to indicate the first sound, which is a long "oo" sound (/uː/). The second syllable is spelled with the letter "l" and the letter "i", indicating a short "i" sound (/ɪ/). The final two letters, "t" and "e", are silent in this particular word, creating a rather unusual spelling for the pronunciation of the term.

OOLITE Meaning and Definition

1. Oolite is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of small spherical grains called ooids, which are typically made up of concentric layers of calcium carbonate. Ooids are formed when minute sediment particles are rolled or nudged by water currents, allowing layers of minerals to accumulate around a central nucleus, such as a sand grain or shell fragment. Over time, these accumulated layers solidify and develop into ooids.

   Oolite is often light-colored and has a granular texture, similar to the appearance of fish roe, which is where its name is derived from (oo- meaning egg and -lite referring to rock). It can be found in a range of sizes, from fine sand-sized grains to larger pebbles. The rock is typically composed of mineral types such as calcite, aragonite, and dolomite, which are all forms of calcium carbonate. Oolite can also contain various other minerals and fossil fragments, depending on its specific geological formation.

   Oolitic rocks, including oolite, are commonly found in marine environments, particularly in shallow tropical and subtropical seas where there is a high concentration of calcium carbonate. Examples of oolite formations can be observed in regions like the Bahamas, Florida Keys, and certain parts of the United Kingdom. Oolite is often used as a building material due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

2. A variety of limestone-so termed from its being composed of small rounded grains resembling the eggs or roe of a fish, sometimes called roestone; a geological formation or system.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OOLITE

• uolite
• oklite
• ollite
• o0lite
• o9lite
• ookite
• oopite
• oooite
• oolute
• ooljte
• oolkte
• oolote
• ool9te
• ool8te
• oolire
• oolife
• oolige
• ooliye
• ooli6e
• ooli5e

Etymology of OOLITE

The word "oolite" is derived from the Greek words "ooon" meaning "egg" and "lithos" meaning "stone". This is because oolite is a type of sedimentary rock composed of spherical grains, which resemble small eggs. Hence, the term "oolite" was coined to describe this distinctive rock formation.

Plural form of OOLITE is OOLITES