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plaster of paris
noun phrase
plaster of par·is
-ˈper-əs
-ˈpa-rəs
often capitalized second P
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·¹/₂H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O made by calcining gypsum and used chiefly for casts and molds in the form of a quick-setting paste with water
Examples of plaster of paris in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The bunnies were originally crafted from plaster of paris, chicken wire, and camel hair.
—Sidney Steele, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Paris, France
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of plaster of paris was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near plaster of paris
Cite this Entry
“Plaster of paris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaster%20of%20paris. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
plaster of paris
plaster of par·is
-ˈpar-əs
often capitalized 2nd P
: a white powder made from gypsum that mixes with water to form a paste that hardens quickly and is used chiefly for casts and molds
Medical Definition
plaster of paris
noun
plaster of par·is
-ˈpar-əs
: a white powdery slightly hydrated calcium sulfate CaSO4·¹/₂H2O or 2CaSO4·H2O that is made by calcining gypsum, forms a quick-setting paste with water, and is used in medicine chiefly in casts and for surgical bandages
More from Merriam-Webster on plaster of paris
Nglish: Translation of plaster of paris for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plaster of paris
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