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calcium

[ kal-see-uhm ]

noun

Chemistry, Biology.
  1. a silver-white divalent metal, occurring combined in limestone, chalk, gypsum, etc., occurring also in vertebrates and other animals, as a component of bone, skeletal mass, shell, etc., and as a necessary element in nerve conduction, heartbeat, muscle contraction, and many other physiological functions. : Ca; : 40.08; : 20; : 1.55 at 20°C.


calcium

/ ˈæɪə /

noun

  1. a malleable silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust (3.6 per cent), occurring esp as forms of calcium carbonate. It is an essential constituent of bones and teeth and is used as a deoxidizer in steel. Symbol: Ca; atomic no: 20; atomic wt: 40.078; valency: 2; relative density: 1.55; melting pt: 842±2°C; boiling pt: 1494°C
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

calcium

  1. A silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs in limestone and gypsum. It is a basic component of leaves, bones, teeth, and shells, and is essential for the normal growth and development of most animals and plants. Calcium is used to make plaster, cement, and alloys. Atomic number 20; atomic weight 40.08; melting point 842 to 848°C; boiling point 1,487°C; specific gravity 1.55; valence 2.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of calcium1

First recorded in 1800–10; calc- + -ium
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Word History and Origins

Origin of calcium1

C19: from New Latin, from Latin calx lime
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The FDA is instead encouraging the use of so-called natural food dyes such as gardenia blue and calcium phosphate.

From

Research on the ISS has shown that the biochemistry of astronauts' bodies changes during long duration space missions: their hormone balance and iron levels alter, and they we lose calcium from their bones.

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Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker, which works by making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.

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The plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, calcium, iron, fiber, protein and calories; helps stimulate breathing and allows the lungs to absorb more oxygen, which is useful in the highlands of Bolivia.

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The microbes multiply as they consume the hydrogen, the carbon dioxide, and a few additional nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorous.

From

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calcitriolcalcium antagonist