schmutzdecke
n.— «This type of filter works because of a biological microbe named schmutzdecke. It grows on top of the sand and its job is to eat organisms in the water. It can take up to two weeks to form so any water before that is not fit to drink. Also, to keep ol’ Schmutzy alive you need to keep the water level above the sand at all times.» —“Sand Filter” by James M. Dakin Bison Survival Blog Jan. 20, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Imagine telling someone how to get to your home, but without using the name of your street, or any other street within ten miles. Could you do it? We take street names for granted, but these words are useful for far more, like applying for a job or...
There was a time when William Shakespeare was just another little seven-year-old in school. Classes in his day were demanding — and all in Latin. A new book argues that this rigorous curriculum actually nurtured the creativity that later flourished...