calcium

cal-ci-um · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A chemical element (symbol Ca, atomic number 20) that is a soft gray alkaline earth metal, essential for living organisms particularly for bones and teeth.

  2. 2.

    The calcium compounds or ions present in food or the body.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    calcium deficiency — a condition of inadequate calcium in the body
  • •
    calcium supplement — a dietary supplement containing calcium

Related words

See also: bone, mineral, vitamin
Synonyms: ca

Etymology

Modern Latin, coined by Sir Humphry Davy in 1808 from Latin calx (genitive calcis) meaning "lime, limestone," + the element suffix -ium. Davy first isolated the element through electrolysis.