calcium Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an important component of most plants and animals
    Ca; atomic number 20.

WordNet


Cal"ci*um noun
Etymology
NL., from L. calx, calcis, lime; cf F. calcium. See Calx.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) An elementary substance; a metal which combined with oxygen forms lime. It is of a pale yellow color, tenacious, and malleable. It is a member of the alkaline earth group of elements. Atomic weight 40. Symbol Ca. Calcium is widely and abundantly disseminated, as in its compounds calcium carbonate or limestone, calcium sulphate or gypsum, calcium fluoride or fluor spar, calcium phosphate or apatite.

Webster 1913