Foram

/ˈfɒr.æm/ noun

Definition

Short for foraminifer; a tiny sea organism with a shell that leaves microscopic fossils used by scientists to study ancient oceans.

Etymology

Shortened informal form of foraminifer, blending form and -am. Used colloquially by geologists and paleontologists.

Kelly Says

Foram is scientist slang—a shortening that shows how technical fields develop insider language, and forams have become crucial for oil companies searching for fossil fuels since they indicate the age of rock layers.

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