Echinital

/ɪˈkaɪnɪtəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or having the characteristics of an echinite (a fossilized sea urchin or spine from a spiny marine animal).

Etymology

From Greek 'echinos' (ἐχῖνος) meaning 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin,' with the suffix '-ital' indicating relation or pertaining to. Used in paleontology to describe fossil remains.

Kelly Says

Echinites have been collected since ancient times—people once thought they were snake eggs or thunderstones, not realizing they were fossils of creatures that died millions of years ago!

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