perlite

perlite or pearl·ite [pur-lahyt] ExamplesWord Origin noun Petrography.

1. a volcanic glass in which concentric fractures impart a distinctive structure resembling masses of small spheroids, used as a plant growth medium.

Origin of perlite From French, dating back to 1825–35; see origin at pearl1, -ite1 Related formsper·lit·ic [pur-lit-ik] /pɜrˈlɪt ɪk/, adjective Examples from the Web for perlite Historical Examples of perlite

“This gentleman has been so perlite to me, James,” said she.

Night and Morning, Complete

Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Much obleeged to him for being so perlite in showing me round.

Airship Andy

Frank V. Webster

And he had been “so perlite as to ask me how was Grandmother Gano.”

The Open Question

Elizabeth Robins

He’s too perlite by half, with his smile and his fine lingo and all.

In Clive’s Command

Herbert Strang

You gimme sech a tu’n, dat I ain’t got room ter be perlite skacely.’

Nights With Uncle Remus

Joel Chandler Harris

British Dictionary definitions for perlite perlite pearlite noun

1. a variety of obsidian consisting of masses of small pearly globules: used as a filler, insulator, and soil conditioner

Derived Formsperlitic or pearlitic (pɜːˈlɪtɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for perlite C19: from French, from perle pearl 1