calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm How to pronounce calcium (audio)
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
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.
Start by cooking the noodles in the broth, then add the tofu sheets (which are a solid source of protein and major minerals like calcium and selenium, FYI). Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024 Tofu also has calcium, which is important for bone health. Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2024 Primarily made of eggs and cheese, a quiche is rich in protein, calcium, essential vitamins, and minerals. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024 Along with the nutrients above, pumpkin contains potassium, phosphorus and calcium, as well as other vital minerals and vitamins, Hill's Pet Nutrition reports. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calcium 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcium was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near calcium

Cite this Entry

“Calcium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcium. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

calcium

noun
cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm How to pronounce calcium (audio)
: 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
Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun
cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm How to pronounce calcium (audio)
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

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