calcium carbonate

noun

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble, tasteless powder, CaCO 3 , occurring in nature in various forms, as calcite, chalk, and limestone: used chiefly in dentifrices and polishes and in the manufacture of lime and cement.

calcium carbonate

noun

1. a white crystalline salt occurring in limestone, chalk, marble, calcite, coral, and pearl: used in the production of lime and cement. Formula: CaCO 3

calcium carbonate

1. A white or colorless crystalline compound occurring naturally in chalk, limestone, and marble and in the minerals calcite and aragonite. It is used to make toothpaste, white paint, and cleaning powder. Chemical formula: CaCO ₃ .

Word History and Origins

Origin of calcium carbonate¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Over decades, Los Angeles’ reliance on water from nearby creeks lowered the lake level and left exposed its craggy tufa towers, formations of calcium carbonate that grew underwater around springs.

From Los Angeles Times

Garrett stops to describe how the towers of calcium carbonate grew underwater around freshwater springs over thousands of years, then were left exposed as the water dropped.

From Los Angeles Times

Visitors who stroll beside the lapping water take photos of the craggy calcium carbonate formations as flocks of migratory birds soar overhead.

From Los Angeles Times

Some crustaceans, for example, have a hard time developing hard outer shells made of calcium carbonate if the water is too acidic.

From Salon

Heart cockles and many other marine animals use a special form of calcium carbonate called aragonite to make their shells.

From Science Daily