calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of calcium in a Sentence

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.

Recent Examples on the Web

Named from the Latin word meaning lime, calcium is very common in limestone rocks composed of calcite and dolomite. —David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

For instance, calcium can reduce both physical and emotional PMS symptoms. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 22 Dec. 2024

Tempeh is also highly digestible compared to other soybean products because the fermentation enables nutrients such as vitamin B12 and calcium to become more soluble. —Joe Sevier, Bon Appétit, 21 Dec. 2024

Derived from trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus, cinnamon bark contains potassium, manganese, and calcium, along with protective polyphenols, or plant compounds with antioxidant properties. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing calcium

• calcium carbide
• calcium carbonate
• calcium channel blocker
• calcium chloride
• calcium citrate
• calcium cyanamide
• calcium gluconate
• calcium hydroxide
• calcium hypochlorite
• calcium oxalate
• calcium oxide
• calcium phosphate
• calcium silicate
• calcium sulfate

Kids Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element

Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals

—symbol Ca see Chemical Elements Table