argill-, argillo- +

Of the nature of clay; largely composed of clay: Argillaceous rocks or sediments are those that contain very fine-grained soil that is pliable when moist but becomes hard when fired.

A sedimentary rock formed from clay deposits: Rick found some argillaceous rocks which he found out were made from consolidated clay sediments.

In geology, a process by which the weathering of aluminum silicates forms clay minerals: Ted learned about argillation as the development of clay minerals resulting from rocks coming in contact with water, air, or even steam.

In geology, relating to, containing, composed of, or characteristic of clay: The pottery at the antique store seemed to be made of an argillic substance.

A process of rock changes whereby certain minerals in a rock are changed into clay minerals: The students learned about argillic alteration that can take place when specific solid homogeneous inorganic substances are turned into minerals found in clay.

A soil horizon in which silicate clays have percolated down from an overlying layer and accumulated: The depth of an argillic horizon extends from 15 to 50 inches to the lowest point.

To thrive or live in clay or mud: Black-eyed Susans, coneflowers and asters are just three plants that argillicole, or grow on clay.

In geology, referring to a structure that produces or contains clay: The earth in Jack's backyard was quite argilliferous and rich in argil.

Someone who eats white clay: Argilliophagists are those people, mostly in the southern sections of the U.S. and in urban Africa, who have a habit of eating soil or clay.

White clay is normally consumed by parrots, macaws, monkeys, and deer.

In geology, an argillaceous sedimentary rock (containing clay), with or without slaty cleavages; mudrock: An argillite is a fine-grained rock and can be used as material for building.

Consisting of, or containing, clay and sand: The soil that Mark had in his backyard was of an argillo-areenaceous quality.

Consisting of, or containing clay: The argillo-calcareous soil that Janet bought not only contained clay but also calcareous (calcium carbonate) earth.

Pertaining to something that contains clay and iron: One of the minerals that Bill studied in class was of an argillo-ferruginous nature which consisted of iron and clay.

The consumption of white clay: The case of argillophagy arises mostly among African American women whose parents, relative, or friends had eaten clay. Argillophagy occurred during childhood or later when the women were pregnant.

Argillophagy

Clay, well-known as a skin treatment, may also be helpful when a person has had too much to drink. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a detoxifying substance, and many French drinkers swear by a glass of the creamy, grey argile verte the morning after.

Should anyone have long-term alcohol intake which produces more serious gastric problems, clay's anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties are also said to help stomach ulcers.

Regarding a life form that grows in clay or mud: Some flowering shrubs are argillophilous and thrive well in clay, like the Weigela, Forsythia, and Hydrangea.