noun
trilobite
TRY-luh-byt
Trilobite (noun) means a long-extinct arthropod with a body split into three big lobes. Example: “The museum displayed a trilobite preserved in gray limestone.”
noun
1
A long-extinct arthropod with a body split into three big lobes.
"The museum displayed a trilobite preserved in gray limestone."
"She found a small trilobite fossil while hiking."
"Trilobites are popular with fossil collectors."
How to use trilobite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA trilobite is an extinct sea creature known from fossils, with a body in three lobes.
When to use it
It is a scientific term, but also common in everyday talk about fossils.
Common pairings
trilobite fossil
trilobite specimen
fossilized trilobite
collect trilobites
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The museum displayed a _____ preserved in gray limestone.
Etymology
Trilobite was borrowed from the translingual name Trilobita. It breaks down as tri- (three), lobe and -ite, so it literally means three-lober.
Rhymes for trilobite
See all rhymes for trilobite →Frequently asked questions
What is a trilobite?
A trilobite is a long-extinct arthropod. Its body was split into three big lobes.
Why is it called a trilobite?
The name combines tri- (three), lobe and -ite, and literally means three-lober. It refers to the three lobes of the body.
How do you pronounce trilobite?
In American English it is pronounced TRY-luh-byt, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the meaning of trilobite?
"trilobite" (noun) means a long-extinct arthropod with a body split into three big lobes.
