calcium hydroxide

noun

: a white crystalline strong alkali Ca(OH)2 that is used especially to make mortar and plaster and to soften water

Examples of calcium hydroxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ingredients like calcium hydroxide, calcium thioglycolate, sodium hydroxide, and sodium thioglycolate break down the keratin bonds that make up the structure of your hair. Christine Giordano, womenshealthmag.com, 26 May 2023 The answer was portlandite, or calcium hydroxide. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023 Depilatory Creams Depilatory creams, like Nair, contain a chemical called thioglycolate mixed with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide that literally melts hair away. Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2023 Dried corn is steeped in water mixed with calcium hydroxide, which is an alkaline solution. Christian Reynoso, Bon Appétit, 25 July 2022 The sodium silicate reacts with the calcium hydroxide embedded in the concrete to form a malleable gel that covers the holes and hardens within a week of activation. Jeremy Jacquot, Discover Magazine, 3 Sep. 2010 To make tamales, corn kernels are steeped in water and calcium hydroxide (lye)—a process called nixtamalization—then rinsed, drained, and milled to be turned into masa, a nutritious and filling paste seasoned with salt and lard or oil. Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 1 July 2022 His creation allows air to pass through a warehouse filled with calcium hydroxide. Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 23 June 2022 It’s three ingredients: water and maíz and cal [calcium hydroxide]. Leslie Brenner, Bon Appétit, 29 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calcium hydroxide.' 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

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcium hydroxide was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near calcium hydroxide

Cite this Entry

“Calcium hydroxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcium%20hydroxide. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calcium hydroxide

noun
: a white compound in the form of crystals that is used especially in making mortar and plaster and in softening water

Medical Definition

calcium hydroxide

noun
: a strong alkali Ca(OH)2 commonly sold in water solution or as an ingredient of bleaching powder see limewater, soda lime

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