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graptolite

Syllabification: (grap·to·lite)

Pronunciation: /ˈgraptəˌlīt/

Definition of graptolite

noun

an extinct marine invertebrate animal of the Paleozoic era, forming mainly planktonic colonies and believed to be related to the pterobranchs.
- Class Graptolithina, phylum Hemichordata

Origin:

mid 19th century: from Greek graptos 'marked with letters' + -lite: so named because of the impressions left on hard shales, resembling markings with a slate pencil