calcareous

adjective

cal·​car·​e·​ous kal-ˈker-ē-əs 

1

a

: resembling calcite or calcium carbonate especially in hardness

b

: consisting of or containing calcium carbonate

also : containing calcium

2

: growing on limestone or in soil impregnated with lime

calcareously adverb

Examples of calcareous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are 30 different soil types in Paso Robles, and calcareous elements can be found in many of them. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025

The basaltic and calcareous soils impart minerality, enhancing complexity and elegance. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Sea lilies are not a particularly nutritious diet as they are mainly composed of calcareous plates held together by a few soft parts. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

In some places, red soils comprised of calcareous clay are rich in iron oxides that lend a bright red color as well as impressive weight and structure to the wines. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin calcarius of lime, from calc-, calx

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for calcareous

• aureus
• noncalcareous

Kids Definition

calcareous

adjective

cal·​car·​e·​ous kal-ˈkar-ē-əs 

-ˈker-

1

: resembling calcite or calcium carbonate especially in hardness

2

: consisting of or containing calcium carbonate

also : containing calcium

Medical Definition

calcareous

adjective

cal·​car·​e·​ous kal-ˈkar-ē-əs, -ˈker- 

1

: resembling calcite or calcium carbonate especially in hardness

2

: consisting of or containing calcium carbonate

also : containing calcium