Mid 18th century; earliest use found in Robert Dodsley (1704–1764), bookseller and writer. From scientific Latin Phytolithus, former genus name from phyto- + ancient Greek λίθος stone.
Definition of phytolithus in US English:
phytolithus
nounˌfʌɪtə(ʊ)ˈlɪθəs
Geology rare, historical
A fossil plant; = "phytolith".
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in Robert Dodsley (1704–1764), bookseller and writer. From scientific Latin Phytolithus, former genus name from phyto- + ancient Greek λίθος stone.