noun
Uncommon
limestone
LYM-stohn
Limestone (noun) means a common sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits. Example: “The cliffs are made of white limestone.”
noun
1
A common sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits.
"The cliffs are made of white limestone."
"Caves often form in limestone because water slowly dissolves the soft rock."
"The old church was built from local limestone."
How to use limestone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA widespread rock type used in construction and formed from ancient sea sediment.
Common pairings
limestone cliffs
limestone quarry
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Word forms
- Plural
- limestones
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cliffs are made of white _____.
Etymology
From lime plus stone.
Rhymes for limestone
See all rhymes for limestone →Frequently asked questions
What does “limestone” mean?
The word “limestone” means a common sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits. In plain terms, a widespread rock type used in construction and formed from ancient sea sediment.
How do you pronounce “limestone”?
“Limestone” is pronounced LYM-stohn (/ˈlaɪmˌstoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “limestone” in a sentence?
Here is “limestone” used in a sentence: “The cliffs are made of white limestone.”
What part of speech is “limestone”?
“Limestone” is a noun.
Is “limestone” a common word?
“Limestone” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between limestone and other sedimentary rocks?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, formed from ancient marine deposits such as shells and coral. Other sedimentary rocks, like sandstone or shale, form from different materials such as sand grains or compacted mud rather than marine calcium carbonate.
What is limestone commonly used for?
Limestone is widely used as a building and construction material and is also a key ingredient in cement production. Its abundance and workability have made it a common choice throughout history.