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calcium

Pronunciation: /ˈkalsɪəm/

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Definition of calcium

noun

[mass noun]
  • the chemical element of atomic number 20, a soft grey metal. (Symbol: Ca)

Calcium is one of the alkaline earth metals. Its compounds occur naturally in limestone, fluorite, gypsum, and other minerals. Many physiological processes involve calcium ions, and calcium salts are an essential constituent of bone, teeth, and shells

Origin:

early 19th century: from Latin calx, calc- 'lime' (see calx) + -ium

calcium in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of calcium in the US English dictionary