calcium

American  

[kal-see-uhm] / ˈkæl si əm /

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.

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calcium British  

/ ˈkælsɪəm /

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

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calcium Scientific  

/ kăl′sē-əm /

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.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of calcium

First recorded in 1800–10; calc- + -ium

Example Sentences

One version, enriched with a higher level of calcium, stood out for its performance.

From Science Daily

In this approach, microorganisms produce cement like substances such as calcium carbonate at room temperature.

From Science Daily

Beyond energy production, the researchers found that diabetes affects the proteins responsible for heart muscle contraction and calcium regulation.

From Science Daily

Once there, the carbon combines with calcium released from the rocks to form shells and limestone reefs.

From Science Daily

"Vegan children, in particular, had especially low calcium intake."

From Science Daily