We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

calamine

Syllabification: (cal·a·mine)

Pronunciation: /ˈkaləˌmīn/

Definition of calamine

noun

a pink powder consisting of zinc carbonate and ferric oxide, used to make a soothing lotion or ointment.
dated smithsonite or a similar zinc ore.

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin calamina, alteration of Latin cadmia 'calamine', from Greek kadmeia (gē) 'Cadmean (earth)', from Kadmos 'Cadmus' (see Cadmus)