calcite

noun

cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral CaCO3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble compare aragonite
calcitic adjective

Examples of calcite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Earth’s earliest forms of calcite, for example, developed through the watery alteration of meteorites; microbes then began to build other calcite structures 2.5 billion years ago, whereas snails and clams created new combinations beginning only 100 million years ago. Paul Voosen, science.org, 1 Nov. 2024 It's named for its beautiful onyx formations, a type of banded calcite that gives the cave its distinctive appearance. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Oct. 2024 The collection includes funerary stelae, busts or statues, and features a lot of the translucent golden-yellow calcite alabaster that is commonly found in funerary art of ancient southwestern Arabia. Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024 The layers of calcite not only protect the paintings but can also be used to determine their age. Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for calcite 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcite was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near calcite

Cite this Entry

“Calcite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcite. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

calcite

noun
cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral substance made up of calcium carbonate and found in numerous forms including limestone, chalk, and marble
calcitic adjective

Medical Definition

calcite

noun
cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral CaCO3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble
calcitic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on calcite

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