Portland cement

American  

Or portland cement

noun

1. a type of hydraulic cement usually made by burning a mixture of limestone and clay in a kiln.

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Portland cement British  

noun

1. a cement that hardens under water and is made by heating a slurry of clay and crushed chalk or limestone to clinker in a kiln

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Etymology

Origin of Portland cement

First recorded in 1815–25; named after the Isle of Portland, Dorsetshire, England

Example Sentences

The firm prints homes on site using Portland cement, which is resilient, moldable and familiar to permitting officials.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2025

You mix pure Portland cement with water until it has the consistency of paint.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2024

This dewatered solution was blended with ordinary Portland cement as the solidifier.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

Room to improve: Consider lower-carbon alternatives to Portland cement for certain applications.

From Scientific American • Feb. 9, 2023

Once complete, this grillage of steel would be filled and covered with Portland cement to produce a broad, rigid raft that Root called a floating foundation.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson