Definition: A group of hydrous aluminium phyllosilicate (phyllosilicates being a subgroup of silicate minerals) minerals (see clay minerals), that are typically less than 2micrometres in diameter. Clay consists of a variety of phyllosilicate minerals rich in silicon and aluminium oxides and hydroxides which include variable amounts of structural water.
Definition: A heterotroph with a temporary parasitic association with another organism that leads to the death of the host. After which, the parasitoid can continue without the host or can move on to a new host. These organisms are considered partly parasites and partly predators.