calcareous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of calcareous
1670–80; variant of calcarious < Latin calcārius of lime; see calx, -ary ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Calcareous grasslands -- meaning grasslands on chalk or limestone soils -- are exceptionally rich in plant and animal species, making them valuable ecosystems.
From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2024
Calcareous oozes consist of calcite-rich plankton shells that have fallen to the ocean floor.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017
Calcareous spines may be present on the girdle to offer protection from predators.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015
The Hauptdolomit Formation is found in the Dolomites, as well as in a very similar development in the Northern Calcareous Alps, the Apennines, Dinarides and Sicily.
From Scientific American • Jun. 21, 2012
Calcareous matter is the great want of most of our lands, and in some form is essential to permanent improvement.
From Guano A Treatise of Practical Information for Farmers by Robinson, Solon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
