calx

American  

[kalks] / kælks /

noun

plural

calxes, calces

1. the oxide or ashy substance that remains after metals, minerals, etc., have been thoroughly roasted or burned.

2. lime.

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calx British  

/ kælks /

noun

1. the powdery metallic oxide formed when an ore or mineral is roasted

2. another name for calcium oxide

3. anatomy the heel

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Etymology

Origin of calx

1350–1400; late Middle English < Latin: lime; replacing Middle English cals < Old French < Latin

Example Sentences

"Now," said Priestley, "when a metal burns phlogiston rushes out of it; if I restore this phlogiston to the metallic calx, I shall convert it back into the metal."

From Project Gutenberg

Thus when phlogisticated alkali is poured into a solution of green vitriol, the acid of the vitriol unites with the alkali, while the phlogiston joining the calx of iron makes Prussian blue.

From Project Gutenberg

All transparent enamels are made opaque by the addition of calx, which is a mixture of tin and lead calcined.

From Project Gutenberg

The old chemists have affixed the name of calx not only to metals in this state, but to every body which has been long exposed to the action of fire without being melted.

From Project Gutenberg

To deny this would be equivalent to a denial that the Latin verb calcare came from calx, 'the heel.'

From Project Gutenberg