: volcanic glass that has a concentric structure, appears as if composed of concretions, is usually grayish and sometimes spherulitic, and when heated expands to form a lightweight aggregate used especially in concrete and plaster and as a medium for potting plants
Examples of perlite in a Sentence
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For containers, add rich organic matter or compost, perlite, or coarse sand to improve drainage and nutrients.
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Upon cracking, the perlite beads purposely shattered, releasing nutrients and spores into the fissure.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
When planting in containers, choose a well-draining potting mix or amend the potting mix with pumice or perlite to improve drainage.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
One popular recipe is a 50/50 ratio of peat moss and perlite.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2026
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
Upon cracking, the perlite beads purposely shattered, releasing nutrients and spores into the fissure.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
When planting in containers, choose a well-draining potting mix or amend the potting mix with pumice or perlite to improve drainage.
—Nashia Baker, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026
One popular recipe is a 50/50 ratio of peat moss and perlite.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for perlite
Cite this Entry
“Perlite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perlite. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
perlite
noun
per·lite
ˈpər-ˌlīt 
: a glassy mineral of volcanic origin that when expanded by heat forms a lightweight material capable of absorbing liquids (as water)
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