sphærid1um (ær as er)

[Gr. sphairidion, dim in. from sphaira =a sphere. So named from the spherical shape of the insects.] Entom.: The typical genus of Sphæridiine (q. v.). sphær-is-tër-i-ŭm (ær as ër), s . [Lat., from Gr. sphairistérion , from sphairistes =a ball-player; sphaira a ball, a globe.] Anc. Arch .: A court for the exercise of ball-playing; a tennis-court. sphær-ite (ær as ër), subst. [Latin sphæra =a sphere; suff. -ite ( Min.).] Min .: A mineral occurring in globular concretions without fibrous or concentric structure. Hardne , 4; specific gravity, 2-536; luster, greasy vitreous; color, light-gray; translucent. Composition: Phosphoric acid, 26'1; alumina, 474; water, 26.5=100, corresponding with the chemical formula 5A12O3, 2PO5+16HO. Occurs in fi ures in limonite at Zajecov, Bohemia, in Lower Silurian schists. Eng. bacteria .] sphær-o-bac-të-ri-a, s . pl . [Pref. sphæro , and Biology : 1. In Cohn's cla ification, a genus of unicellular round or oval organisms, stationary, and devoid of cilia or flagella. 2. The Micrococci. sphær-o-blas'-tŭs (ær as ër), s. [Pref. sphæro-, and Gr. blastos =a sprout, a shoot.] Bot.: A cotyledon which rises above ground, bearing at its end a spheroid tumor.