calx

[kalks]

noun

plural

calxes, calces 

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

2. lime.

calx

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of calx¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of calx¹

C15: from Latin: lime, from Greek khalix pebble

Example Sentences

The antiphlogistic school said that calx of iron is composed of iron and dephlogisticated air; the phlogisteans said it was iron deprived of its phlogiston.

From Project Gutenberg

Heat recovers the pure air, and the mercury, leaving the calx of the impure metal.

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