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calcium
noun
cal·ci·um
ˈkal-sē-əm
often attributive
: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of calcium in a Sentence
Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.
Recent Examples on the Web
Cacao is rich in B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and zinc.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024
These buildups of fats, oil, and grease–or FOG–can mix with the calcium and water in sewer systems and form these giant blockages that solidify inside pipes and concrete sewers.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024
The easy way to get calcium is through dairy products.
—Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Current chelators designed to treat lead poisoning can also remove essential metals such as calcium and zinc.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime
First Known Use
1808, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing calcium
Dictionary Entries Near calcium
Cite this Entry
“Calcium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcium. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
calcium
noun
cal·ci·um
ˈkal-sē-əm
: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element
Medical Definition
calcium
noun
cal·ci·um
ˈkal-sē-əm
often attributive
: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals
—symbol Ca
see Chemical Elements Table
More from Merriam-Webster on calcium
Nglish: Translation of calcium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of calcium for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calcium
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