gyp·sum (j p s m)n. A widespread colorless, white, or yellowish mineral, CaSO4·2H2O, used in the manufacture of plaster of Paris, various plaster products, and fertilizers. [Middle English gipsum, from Latin gypsum, from Greek gupsos, probably of Semitic origin; akin to Arabic jibs, ji  , ja, from Akkadian gau.] |
gypsum [ˈdʒɪpsəm]
n
(Earth Sciences / Minerals) a colourless or white mineral sometimes tinted by impurities, found in beds as an evaporite. It is used in the manufacture of plaster of Paris, cement, paint, school chalk, glass, and fertilizer. Composition: hydrated calcium sulphate. Formula: CaSO4.2H2O. Crystal structure: monoclinic
[from Latin, from Greek gupsos chalk, plaster, cement, of Semitic origin]
gypseous [ˈdʒɪpsɪəs] adj
gypsiferous [dʒɪpˈsɪfərəs] adj
| gypsum (jpsm) A colorless, white, or pinkish mineral. Gypsum occurs as individual blade-shaped crystals or as massive beds in sedimentary rocks, especially those formed through the evaporation of saline-rich water. It is used in manufacturing plasterboard, cement, and fertilizers. Chemical formula: CaSO4·2H2O. |
gypsum - From Semitic, a relative or ancestor of Arabic jibs and Hebrew gephes, "plaster."
See also related terms for plaster.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  gypsum - a common white or colorless mineral (hydrated calcium sulphate) used to make cements and plasters (especially plaster of Paris)atomic number 20, Ca, calcium - a white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an important component of most plants and animals mineral - solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition alabaster - a compact fine-textured, usually white gypsum used for carving gesso - gypsum or plaster of Paris spread on a surface to make it suitable for painting or gilding (or a surface so prepared) terra alba - finely pulverized gypsum used especially as a pigment calcium sulfate, calcium sulphate - a white salt (CaSO4) plaster of Paris, plaster - any of several gypsum cements; a white powder (a form of calcium sulphate) that forms a paste when mixed with water and hardens into a solid; used in making molds and sculptures and casts for broken limbs |
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