calcium carbonate

noun

: a compound CaCO₃ found in nature as calcite and aragonite and in plant ashes, bones, and shells and used especially in making lime and Portland cement and as a gastric antacid

Examples of calcium carbonate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This allows for quick mixing and leverages the rapid kinetics of the chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate minerals. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 June 2024

The buildup of acid in ocean waters reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, a key building block for the skeletons and shells of corals, plankton, shellfish, and many other marine organisms. —Alan B. Sielen, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

Hardness is measured in terms of calcium carbonate, CaCO₃, which is used as a reference point for comparing different minerals. —Sarah Blank, The Conversation, 20 May 2024

Which is why Mack recommends products that have baking soda, calcium carbonate, or hydrated silica for a holistic alternative. —Essence, 8 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

calcium carbonate

noun

: a solid substance found in nature as limestone and marble and in plant ashes, bones, and shells and used especially in making lime and portland cement

Medical Definition

calcium carbonate

noun

: a calcium salt CaCO₃ that is found in limestone, chalk, marble, plant ashes, bones, and many shells, that is obtained also as a white precipitate by passing carbon dioxide into a suspension of calcium hydroxide in water, and that is used in dentifrices and in pharmaceuticals as an antacid and to supplement bodily calcium stores