Definition

An extinct type of marine animal that lived in colonies and is known from fossils, often used by scientists to help date ancient rocks.

Example

Scientists discovered a new species of graptolite in the fossil record, providing insights into ancient marine life.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a graptolite?

Yeah, I read they were these ancient marine animals.

Exactly! Their fossils are really important for dating rocks.

That's fascinating! I didn't know they could tell us so much about the past.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Graptolite is formed from "grapho-" (from Greek "grapho", meaning to write or draw) and "lite" (from Greek "lithos", meaning stone). The word refers to a fossilized organism that appears to have been drawn or written in stone, reflecting its preserved nature in the geological record.

Memory Tip

Think of 'writing' ('grapho-') in 'stone' ('lite') to remember that a graptolite is a fossil that looks like it has been drawn in stone.

Visually Confused Words