plaster of Paris

American  

Or plaster of paris

noun

1. calcined gypsum in white, powdery form, used as a base for gypsum plasters, as an additive of lime plasters, and as a material for making fine and ornamental casts: characterized by its ability to set rapidly when mixed with water.

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plaster of Paris British  

noun

1. a white powder that sets to a hard solid when mixed with water, used for making sculptures and casts, as an additive for lime plasters, and for making casts for setting broken limbs. It is usually the hemihydrate of calcium sulphate, 2CaSO 4 .H 2 O

2. the hard plaster produced when this powder is mixed with water: a fully hydrated form of calcium sulphate

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plaster of Paris Scientific  

/ plăs′tər /

1. A form of calcium phosphate derived from gypsum. It is mixed with water to make casts and molds.

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Etymology

Origin of plaster of Paris

1375–1425; late Middle English; so called because prepared from the gypsum of Paris, France

Example Sentences

Plaster of paris is valuable for many purposes in a machine shop, but the disadvantage in handling it is, that it sets so quickly, and its use is, therefore, very much limited.

From Practical Mechanics for Boys by Zerbe, James Slough

Plaster of paris will do, but it is most too fine.

From Home Taxidermy for Pleasure and Profit A Guide for Those Who Wish to Prepare and Mount Animals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, etc., for Home, Den, or Office Decoration by Farnham, Albert B.

Related Words

• adhesive
• cement
• glue
• lime
• mortar
• stucco