An absorbent powder composed of the siliceous skeletons of microscopic water plants called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is composed of 88% silica. The soft, whitish material is used as an inert pigment or filler in paint, brick, tile, ceramics, and a large number of other products. It produces a reduced gloss, acts as a suspending agent and increases viscosity. It absorbs dyes well and has been used as a base for lake colours. Diatomaceous earth is also used as an absorbent, and poultice since it can absorb up to 4 times its weight of water. Synonyms: diatomite; Celite® [Celite]; fuller's earth; infusorial earth; kieselguhr; fossil flour; tripoli; Sil-O-Cel; diatomaceous silica; siliceous earth;Super-Cel; Kenite®; Diactiv®; Primisil®. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2000). [J. Cassar, R. de Angelis]