Coprolite - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Coprolite is fossilized animal dung, often studied by scientists to learn about ancient diets and ecosystems. It provides valuable clues about prehistoric life and environmental conditions.
Definition:
Fossilized feces from ancient animals, used in paleontology to study prehistoric diets.
Synonyms:
fossilized dung, petrified excrement, paleofeces
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
fresh waste, modern excrement
Common Collocations:
coprolite analysis, coprolite specimen, coprolite research
Derivatives:
coprolitic, coprolith
Usage Tips:
Use "coprolite" in scientific contexts to describe fossilized feces studied by paleontologists.
Common Phrases:
ancient coprolite, study coprolites, coprolite evidence
Etymology:
From Greek "kopros" (dung) + "lithos" (stone), meaning fossilized animal waste.
Examples:
- 1. The museum displayed a large coprolite from a dinosaur.
- 2. Scientists analyze coprolites to learn about prehistoric diets.
- 3. This coprolite contains undigested seeds and bones.
- 4. Children giggled at the exhibit labeled "fossilized poop."