calcite

noun

cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral CaCO3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble compare aragonite
calcitic adjective

Examples of calcite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shop the slides in neutral colors, including black, cork, bone, and blue calcite. Andie Kanaras, Peoplemag, 12 Dec. 2023 White paint has been around since our prehistoric ancestors used a pigment made from ground calcite to render figures on cave walls. Michelle Brunner, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2023 Indeed, the rare technique initially proved difficult to spot, as the red clay had been partially covered by calcite over time, reports Hyperallergic’s Elaine Velie. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Sep. 2023 The revitalization of the lake’s distinctive calcite bands during the 1980s is a sign of successful efforts to combat acid rain. Emily Wright, Washington Post, 16 June 2023 They are composed of calcite and Argonite crystals and often appear white, lavender, or mahogany in color. Carlos R. Muñoz, BostonGlobe.com, 27 July 2023 The lake’s calcite layers became thicker during warm years; pollen grains show how the forest composition shifted to include more heat-loving tree species. Emily Wright, Washington Post, 16 June 2023 This is why the old gravestones of the Midwest are barely legible because acid rain created by factory pollution has dissolved a lot of the calcite in the limestone and marble gravestones. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 27 Oct. 2016 Kelemen noticed that when the calcite film was shattered by wind or rain, it was replaced by a new film within 24 hours. Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calcite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcite was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near calcite

Cite this Entry

“Calcite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calcite

noun
cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral substance made up of calcium carbonate and found in numerous forms including limestone, chalk, and marble
calcitic adjective

Medical Definition

calcite

noun
cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral CaCO3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble
calcitic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on calcite

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