noun Common

calcium

KAL-see-uhm

Calcium (noun) means a soft, silvery-white chemical element (symbol Ca) essential for healthy bones and teeth. Example: “Milk and cheese are good sources of calcium.”

noun

A soft, silvery-white chemical element (symbol Ca) essential for healthy bones and teeth.

"Milk and cheese are good sources of calcium."

"Calcium deficiency can weaken the bones over time."

How to Use Calcium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mineral element that the body needs for strong bones and teeth, found in dairy, leafy greens, and other foods.

Common pairings

calcium deficiency calcium supplement rich in calcium

Word Forms

calciums plural

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Fill the Gap

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Milk and cheese are good sources of _____.

Etymology

Coined in 1808 by the chemist Humphry Davy from Latin calx, "lime," since the element occurs naturally in limestone.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1808

Class of 1808 calcium joined the language around 1808.

barium sodium

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Synonyms

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Ca atomic number 20

Related Words

California CA

Rhymes for calcium

opium sodium helium barium radium medium atrium podium Valium Belgium lithium iridium

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “calcium” mean?

The word “calcium” means a soft, silvery-white chemical element (symbol Ca) essential for healthy bones and teeth. In plain terms, a mineral element that the body needs for strong bones and teeth, found in dairy, leafy greens, and other foods.

How do you pronounce “calcium”?

“Calcium” is pronounced KAL-see-uhm (/ˈkælsi.əm/ in IPA).

How do you use “calcium” in a sentence?

Here is “calcium” used in a sentence: “Milk and cheese are good sources of calcium.”

What part of speech is “calcium”?

“Calcium” is a noun.

Where does the word “calcium” come from?

The word “calcium” dates back to around 1808 and comes from Latin. Coined in 1808 by the chemist Humphry Davy from Latin calx, "lime," since the element occurs naturally in limestone.

Is “calcium” a common word?

“Calcium” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Why is calcium important for the body?

Calcium is essential for building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It is a soft, silvery-white chemical element with the symbol Ca.

What is the chemical symbol for calcium?

The chemical symbol for calcium is Ca. It denotes calcium on the periodic table of elements.

Is calcium a metal?

Yes, calcium is classified as a metal — specifically a soft, silvery-white chemical element. Its physical properties, such as softness and metallic sheen, are typical of metals.

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