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

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

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

The heavy plaster, mixed with Portland cement, more than three inches thick and applied to a lath of chicken wire, required an ax to break through.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2023

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

From Scientific American • Feb. 9, 2023

Modern concrete, in contrast, is typically made from Portland cement: a mixture of limestone, clay, sand, chalk, and other ingredients ground and burnt at scorching temperatures.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 5, 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